Raven Software Union Will Be Recognized by Microsoft After Acquisition

gamerant.com:

The topic of tech sector unionization is neither new nor uncontroversial, and that almost seems to go double for game development. Several studios have seen significant unionization efforts, with the biggest being the Activision subsidiary Raven Software, whose QA team voted to unionize only a few days ago.

The vote itself was a significant victory for Raven Software employees and a small one for America’s much larger union movement. However, that’s not the only good news for the fledgling union, known as the Game Workers Alliance. Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirmed that the company will recognize the union once Microsoft completes its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Activision Accused of Illegally Threatening Staff During Unionization Efforts

Spencer’s remarks came during an all-hands on deck meeting earlier today. Spencer had commented on his lack of experience with unions during a similar conference a year and a half ago. However, he claimed to have educated himself on the topic during the intervening period and stated that Xbox supports workers’ rights to organize. “Once the deal closes,” said Spencer, “we would absolutely support [an] employees’ organization that’s in place. We think it is a right of employees and something that can be a part of a relationship between a company and people who work at the company.” While Microsoft previously stated it has no objection to Raven’s union, this is the first time the company expressed an intent to recognize it officially.

Spencer clarified that Microsoft does not have any existing relationship with either the Game Workers Alliance or the Communication Workers of America, who assisted in Raven’s unionization process. However, Xbox’s recognition is a big step that will