Microsoft reaches 'ground-breaking agreement' with union representing game workers
pcgamer.comThe Communications Workers of America, the parent organization of the Game Workers Alliance union, has entered into a "labor neutrality agreement(opens in new tab)" with Microsoft over unionizing workers at Activision Blizzard. The «ground-breaking agreement,» which will take effect 60 days after Microsoft completes its acquisition of the studio, «reflects a fundamental belief by both organizations that enabling workers to freely and fairly make a choice about union representation will benefit Microsoft and its employees.»
The deal between Microsoft and the CWA is built around five «basic provisions»:
«This agreement provides a pathway for Activision Blizzard workers to exercise their democratic rights to organize and collectively bargain after the close of the Microsoft acquisition and establishes a high road framework for employers in the games industry,» CWA President Chris Shelton said.
«Microsoft’s binding commitments will give employees a seat at the table and ensure that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard benefits the company's workers and the broader video game labor market. The agreement addresses CWA’s previous concerns regarding the acquisition, and, as a result, we support its approval and look forward to working collaboratively with Microsoft after this deal closes.»
It will allow Activision Blizzard workers to freely & fairly form a union & ensure the Activision Blizzard acquisition benefits workers. ✊June 13, 2022
The agreement carries no official weight until the deal is closed, but it does explain Activision Blizzard's announcement last week that after months of resistance, it will recognize and enter into "good faith negotiations(opens in new tab)" with the newly-established QA workers union at
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