Raven Software, the Call of Duty developer that made history by forming the first union within Activision Blizzard in 2022, is now embroiled in a legal battle with its parent companies, Activision Blizzard and Microsoft. The union, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging unfair labor practices by Microsoft.
The complaint accuses Microsoft of refusing to bargain in good faith, engaging in bad faith bargaining practices, altering employment terms and conditions, and retaliating against workers for their union activities. This development comes as a stark contrast to the initial optimism surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Claude Cummings Jr., president of the CWA, expressed disappointment, stating that despite initial hopes for a swift agreement on a first contract, progress has been stalled. The CWA initially supported Microsoft’s acquisition, believing it would usher in a new era for worker rights at Activision Blizzard. However, the recent complaint indicates that this honeymoon period has ended, and workers are facing significant challenges in securing the labor rights they fought for.
Microsoft has responded to the complaint by stating its commitment to negotiating in good faith. However, details regarding the specific grievances remain limited, as the CWA has declined to elaborate further on the allegations. The NLRB’s decision on the case could take time, further prolonging the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
This dispute is part of a broader trend of labor activism within the video game industry. The past year has seen a surge in unionization efforts and labor actions across various studios. Bethesda Game Studios, another Microsoft-owned company, recently became the first within the corporation to form a union, encompassing a wide range of roles from artists to programmers. Sega of America’s union, affiliated with Sega Sammy Holdings Inc., also successfully ratified a contract earlier this year.
Adding to the growing wave of labor unrest, the Paris-based Spiders studio announced plans to strike just weeks before the release of its upcoming game, Greedfall 2. The ongoing unionization efforts and labor actions within the video game industry highlight the growing demand for better working conditions and worker rights.
The outcome of the Raven Software union’s complaint against Microsoft will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future labor negotiations within the industry.
