Recently, around 600 workers in Activision Publishing’s quality assurance department have taken a bold step by forming a union. Assisted by the Communications Workers of America, these employees completed their vote with the results being officially certified on Friday, March 8th. This move has resulted in the formation of Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA, which now stands as the largest video game union in the United States. The union’s members are elated with this achievement, considering the challenges faced by QA workers in the industry.
In 2022, Microsoft entered into a labor neutrality agreement with the CWA, which has significantly eased the process of unionization at the company and its subsidiaries, including Activision Blizzard. Tom Shelley, a technical requirements specialist and one of Activision Quality Assurance United’s organizers, highlighted how the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has paved the way for their unionization efforts. Shelley emphasized the importance of organizing as QA workers often receive the weakest protections and lowest pay despite their crucial contributions to the success of the companies and games they work on.
Within the realm of quality assurance, workers undertake the crucial task of testing games for bugs and other issues, subsequently flagging them for developers to rectify. Unfortunately, QA jobs are predominantly entry-level positions, leading to a devaluation of their roles within the industry. This situation underscores the pressing need for labor protections to ensure fair treatment and compensation for QA workers. The move by Microsoft to recognize the union voluntarily is commendable, and Shelley hopes that this will encourage further organizing efforts within the company and beyond.
While the formation of video game unions is gaining momentum, it is not without its challenges. The industry has witnessed rampant layoffs in recent years, posing significant obstacles to the unionization process. In 2023, the CWA filed an unfair labor complaint against Sega, alleging that the company was planning to phase out temporary employees who were part of the Aegis union formed the previous year. Despite these challenges, union negotiations were able to save a number of jobs when Sega eventually carried out layoffs. This demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining and solidarity among video game industry workers.
The emergence and growth of video game unions in the United States are indicative of a shift towards improved labor conditions and protections for workers in the industry. The efforts of groups like Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA and initiatives by companies like Microsoft to recognize unions voluntarily are significant milestones in advancing the rights of video game industry workers. As this movement continues to gain traction, it is essential for companies and employees to work together towards creating a more equitable and sustainable industry for all involved.
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