At Activision, six hundred QA workers formed a union, setting a new industry record for size.

The interesting thing is that the previous record holder was also a Microsoft subsidiary, so it’s a feat that remains in the hands of the Redmond-based tech giant, as Activision Blizzard King is now part of Microsoft. The previous record was held by Zenimax Workers United with 300 members, half the number of people who made up that union at Activision, which in turn was formed through the CWA (Communications Workers of America), The Verge reported.

Microsoft signed a labor neutrality agreement with the CWA in January 2022, as there have been union initiatives in the gaming industry (and especially under Activision Blizzard). This was a big win for the CWA, while it also kicked off a strategic, years-long campaign by Microsoft that was a big help in making Activision Blizzard king. Since Microsoft owns the company, they were able to set up the union more easily and cleanly, but even so, it should not be forgotten that Microsoft recently (about a month ago) laid off 1,900 people from the publisher, and it really would not be a big surprise if we hear of more layoffs around Microsoft in 2024 (already about 8,000 people have lost their jobs in the gaming industry in 2024 alone, and we are certainly underestimating the number).

Microsoft’s approach is therefore not hostile in this respect, although several US companies (admittedly not gaming companies) also believe that the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) is against the US Constitution. These companies include Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s. Of these, only Amazon is involved in the gaming industry.

Union protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent mass layoffs. It happens so often these days that workers are really just protecting their own livelihoods, not management’s wallets.

Source: PCGamer, The Verge