Blizzard Entertainment's Battle.net Workers Unionize Under CWA

Workers from Blizzard Entertainment's Platform and Technology department have voted to unionize under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This decision, involving over 400 employees, includes two distinct unions: one representing approximately 300 tech workers, such as software engineers and designers, and another comprising around 80 employees from localization, quality assurance (QA), and customer support. Microsoft has recognized both unions following the workers' vote, which was facilitated by a neutrality agreement established during Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Battle.net Workers Unionize As Microsoft Neutrality Agreement ExpiresBlizzard's Platform & Technology workers vote to unionizeEmployees within Blizzard's Platform & Technology division have voted in favor of forming a unionAnother group of Blizzard workers has unionizedOver 400 Blizzard employees have voted to unionise under the Communications Workers of AmericaActivision Blizzard Battle.net workers unionise

The unionization effort was largely driven by concerns over job security and workplace conditions. Organizing committee members Daniel Weltz, Alex Kohn, and Timothy Biley highlighted the impact of layoffs and low pay on their decision to unionize. Weltz emphasized, "Our culture is our people, and we can’t afford to lose that," reflecting a shared sentiment among workers regarding the importance of retaining talent. The return-to-office policy implemented by Blizzard also played a significant role in motivating employees to seek union representation.

Another group of Blizzard workers has unionized

The newly formed unions plan to elect a bargaining committee and conduct a survey to identify members' priorities before beginning negotiations with Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Previous unionization efforts within the company, such as those by Raven Software and ZeniMax Media, have taken years to finalize contracts, setting a precedent for the upcoming negotiations. Kohn expressed a desire to negotiate policies regarding layoffs and return-to-office mandates, indicating a focus on equitable treatment across departments.

Battle.net Workers Unionize As Microsoft Neutrality Agreement Expires

The unionization of Blizzard's Platform and Technology department adds to a growing trend of organized labor within the gaming industry. The organizing committee members believe that increased union representation can elevate workplace standards across the sector. They stated, "Having more unions increases workplace standards across the board," suggesting that competitive pressures will compel companies to improve conditions for their employees.

Another group of Blizzard workers has unionizedBlizzard's Platform & Technology workers vote to unionizeOver 400 Blizzard employees have voted to unionise under the Communications Workers of AmericaActivision Blizzard Battle.net workers unioniseEmployees within Blizzard's Platform & Technology division have voted in favor of forming a unionBattle.net Workers Unionize As Microsoft Neutrality Agreement Expires

Microsoft has acknowledged the formation of the unions, which are represented by CWA Local 9510 in Irvine, California, and Local 6215 in Austin, Texas. The recognition comes just before the expiration of the neutrality agreement, which streamlined the unionization process for Blizzard employees. Jason Justice, President of CWA Local 9510, remarked on the significance of this movement, stating, "With each new Blizzard unit organizing, California continues to become the proving ground for tech and video game power."

Activision Blizzard Battle.net workers unionise

While the unionization effort has garnered support from many employees, there remains uncertainty about the future of unionization efforts without the protection of the neutrality agreement. Concerns have been raised regarding how Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will respond to future organizing attempts, especially as the gaming industry continues to navigate significant workforce changes.

Battle.net Workers Unionize As Microsoft Neutrality Agreement Expires

• “Our culture is our people, and we can’t afford to lose that.” — Daniel Weltz, Principal Software Engineer

Activision Blizzard Battle.net workers unionise

• “After seeing so many hard-working, passionate coworkers laid off, we are excited to have greater control over our workplace to minimise the suffering caused by future layoffs in the industry.” — Alex Kohn, Senior Data Scientist

Activision Blizzard Battle.net workers unionise

• “Having more unions increases workplace standards across the board,” — Organizing Committee Members

Over 400 Blizzard employees have voted to unionise under the Communications Workers of America

• “Jason Justice, President of CWA Local 9510, commented on the broader implications: “With each new Blizzard unit organising, California continues to become the proving ground for tech and video game power.” — Jason Justice, President of CWA Local 9510

Activision Blizzard Battle.net workers unionise