Activision QA Workers Vote to Unionize Under Microsoft, Becoming Largest Video Game Worker Union in the US
In a groundbreaking move, approximately 600 quality assurance (QA) workers at Activision under Microsoft have voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), forming the Activision Quality Assurance United. This marks the first time that Activision employees have successfully unionized since the company’s acquisition by Microsoft, making it the largest video game worker union in the United States. The union includes central QA workers at Activision offices in Texas, Minnesota, and California, setting it apart from other recent QA unions under Microsoft.
The successful unionization of the Activision QA workers is attributed to the support they received through a CWA-Microsoft neutrality agreement signed in 2022. Under this agreement, Microsoft pledged to adopt a “neutral approach” towards unionizing and refrain from impeding union discussions within the company. Additionally, Microsoft committed to providing a streamlined process for workers to choose to join a union. This agreement is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges faced by Raven Software and Blizzard Albany in their attempts to form unions prior to the acquisition. Both groups accused Activision Blizzard of engaging in union-busting efforts.
Tom Shelley, a technical requirements specialist at Activision and member of the newly formed AQAU, explained that the decision to unionize was driven by the recognition that QA workers often have the lowest protections and lowest pay in the industry, despite their expertise, skill, and essential contributions to the success of the companies they work for.
“The CWA Labor Neutrality Agreement is a historic agreement and unprecedented at a tech company of Microsoft’s size,” Shelley stated. “By recognizing our union, Microsoft is making good on its promise to respect our ability to decide for ourselves about union representation. We encountered no union-busting at a time when most US companies – especially tech companies – regularly spend millions on anti-union consultants to prevent workers from speaking up for themselves. We hope this will inspire other workers to form unions and raise industry-wide expectations for pay, benefits, and respect for workers’ rights.”
With the formation of the union, the Activision QA workers now anticipate bargaining with Microsoft for a new contract. Their primary demands include better pay and benefits, increased promotional opportunities, and a clear career development track. Currently, Zenimax QA workers are in the process of negotiating their first contract with the company, which has already seen agreements on topics such as subcontracting and artificial intelligence.
This historic unionization victory sets a significant precedent for the video game industry, as it demonstrates the growing power and influence of workers in demanding fair treatment and improved working conditions. The Activision QA workers have paved the way for others to follow suit, inspiring hope for a future where all employees in the industry receive the compensation, benefits, and respect they deserve.
Rebekah Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN, contributed to this article. If you have a story tip, you can reach her at rvalentine@ign.com.