bargaining unit Archives

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Blizzard’s platform and tech team unionises

Over 400 employees from the platform and tech teams at Blizzard have voted to form a bargaining unit, marking a significant move towards collective representation. This new union has received recognition from Microsoft, which aligns with its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA), who will represent the Blizzard employees. Members of the organizing committee expressed optimism about increased union representation improving workplace standards. Additionally, over 450 staff members involved in the Diablo franchise have also voted to unionize, indicating a growing trend of unionization at Blizzard.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

Over 450 Blizzard staff vote to unionise

Over 450 employees dedicated to the Diablo franchise at Blizzard have voted to unionize, forming a bargaining unit that includes developers, artists, engineers, and support staff. The union was announced by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Raven union secures Microsoft contract

Unionised employees at Raven Software have secured their first contract with Microsoft after nearly three years of negotiations involving 19 quality assurance staff members. The contract includes a ten percent compensation increase over the next two years, allows for permanent work-from-home arrangements, and reduces mandatory overtime while requiring a minimum of seven days' notice for any required overtime work. The unionisation process began in 2022, with Activision Blizzard recognizing the bargaining unit shortly after. However, in August 2024, the union accused Microsoft and Activision Blizzard of negotiating in "bad faith."

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

ZeniMax union expresses frustration at parent company Microsoft

Staff at ZeniMax Media are frustrated with delays in negotiations with Microsoft, as they have not secured a union contract nearly two years after forming the ZeniMax Workers United bargaining unit. This situation follows a labor neutrality agreement between Microsoft and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) made almost three years ago. Employees, including senior QA tester Autumn Mitchell, express dissatisfaction with Microsoft's public image versus their experiences during negotiations. CWA chief of staff Sylvia J. Ramos emphasizes the need for Microsoft to prioritize contract negotiations. A Microsoft representative stated the company's commitment to reaching a fair resolution.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

ZeniMax union votes to strike

Members of the ZeniMax Workers United union have voted 94 percent in favor of authorizing strike action in ongoing negotiations with Microsoft. The union, established in January 2023, is advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions amid concerns about underpayment and rising living costs. Union members express a commitment to using their collective power to secure a first contract with Microsoft.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Activision user research workers form union

Activision's user research division staff voted to form a union, named the Activision User Research Union-CWA, with a supermajority in favor of unionization. Microsoft has recognized the union as part of its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The motivation for unionization was influenced by anticipated layoffs in 2023 and 2024. CWA Local 9400 president Maurice Washington emphasized the need for a protected voice for workers and expressed pride in welcoming the new members into the CWA. This development follows the establishment of the United Videogame Workers-CWA, reflecting a trend of unionization in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

2K’s California mocap studio files to unionise

Staff at 2K Games' motion capture studio in California have initiated steps to unionize, with 21 employees formally requesting voluntary recognition as a bargaining unit from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). However, parent company Take-Two has declined to recognize the union, leading the employees to file with the federal government for acknowledgment. IATSE's international VP, Michael Miller, emphasized the essential role these workers play in creating video games and expressed support for their unionization efforts. The employees and IATSE are preparing for an upcoming election and hope to engage in negotiations with Take-Two Interactive.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Raven union accuses Microsoft and Activision Blizzard of “bad faith bargaining”

Unionised employees at Raven Software have filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, alleging insincere negotiation practices. Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), expressed disappointment over the slow progress towards a first contract following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft has stated its commitment to negotiating in good faith. The NLRB recognized the Raven union in April 2022, with Xbox and Activision Blizzard acknowledging the bargaining unit and expressing willingness to engage in good faith negotiations.

AppWizard

July 25, 2024

500 World of Warcraft devs vote to unionise

Around 500 World of Warcraft staff members have voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. This is the first wall-to-wall union at Activision Blizzard and the largest at an Xbox studio.

AppWizard

July 22, 2024

Bethesda US studios have unionised

Bethesda's US arm has successfully unionised with a bargaining unit of 241 members, including employees from various departments. Microsoft has officially recognized the bargaining unit, which includes developers from Bethesda's Austin, Dallas, and Rockville studios. The unionisation follows Bethesda's Montreal studio also announcing its intentions to unionise. Senior system designer Mandi Parker expressed excitement about the union, highlighting the benefits of bringing democracy into the workplace. Johnny Brown, president of the CWA's 2108 Maryland branch, commended the Bethesda Game Studios professionals for their achievement and emphasized the importance of having a union to negotiate better working conditions and raise industry standards.