Activision Software Testers Form Largest Union in U.S. Video Game Industry
In a groundbreaking move, approximately 600 software testers at Activision have formed the largest union in the U.S. video game industry. This development comes as part of a new labor agreement negotiated during Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision for a staggering $69 billion. The agreement, which required Microsoft to remain neutral towards employees interested in unionizing, has paved the way for this historic milestone.
The formation of the union, known as Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA, marks a significant step forward for labor organizing in the tech industry. As Big Tech firms face increasing scrutiny over worker protections, employees are taking a stand and demanding better wages and career opportunities. QA tester Kara Fannon, speaking on behalf of the union, expressed their desire for higher wages and more recognition for their vital role in the development process.
The union comprises employees from Activision’s quality assurance division in California, Texas, and Minnesota. By joining forces with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), they have created a record-breaking alliance that aims to address the undervaluation of QA workers in the gaming industry.
Microsoft’s commitment to labor neutrality played a crucial role in facilitating this unionization effort. The company remained neutral throughout the organizing campaign and ensured open lines of communication and information for workers to make informed decisions. Amy Pannoni, a lawyer representing Microsoft, emphasized their dedication to upholding this commitment.
This milestone comes at a time when labor organizing in the tech industry is gaining momentum. With the exponential growth of Big Tech firms, workers are demanding better protections and fair treatment. QA workers at Activision, responsible for identifying glitches and bugs in games, have long felt undervalued compared to software engineers and developers. Their efforts to secure labor protections have been met with support from within the industry.
Even before the Microsoft-Activision deal was finalized, QA workers at Activision’s Albany branch had already formed a union. They highlighted the undervaluation of their discipline in the games and software industries and called for respect and fair compensation for their essential role in the development process.
The formation of the largest union in the U.S. video game industry is a significant achievement for Activision software testers. It represents a step towards greater recognition and fair treatment for QA workers, who play a vital role in ensuring the quality of video games. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that workers’ voices are heard and their rights protected. The unionization of Activision’s software testers sets a powerful precedent for labor organizing in the gaming industry and beyond.