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Blizzard Teams Unionize, Demanding Layoff Protections and Wage Equity

10/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble teams voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, forming CWA Local 9510 in Irvine, California.
The local includes over 100 workers, including software engineers and artists, and is recognized by Microsoft.
Organizers say the move seeks layoff protections and wage-gap remedies amid concerns about layoffs and working conditions.
The expiration of a neutrality agreement with Microsoft has heightened urgency for contract negotiations.

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Story summary

Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble teams voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, forming CWA Local 9510 in Irvine, California.
The local includes over 100 workers, including software engineers and artists, and is recognized by Microsoft.
Organizers say the move seeks layoff protections and wage-gap remedies amid concerns about layoffs and working conditions.
The expiration of a neutrality agreement with Microsoft has heightened urgency for contract negotiations.