The Communications Workers of America said the blockbuster acquisition ‘will transform the video game and technology labor market.’
Microsoft’s $69-billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard could provide the growing labor movement among video game workers a boost because of a labor neutrality agreement the company entered last year.
The agreement between the Communications Workers of America and Microsoft, which states that Microsoft will take a neutral approach when employees express interest in joining a union, kicks in at Activision Blizzard 60 days after the acquisition closes.
In a blog post, Microsoft President Brad Smith said the company was committed to its “innovative approach to union partnerships. ”
“Microsoft remains steadfast in our support of our current and future employees in whatever choice they make about their workplace and their representatives,” he said.
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. called the acquisition, finalized on Friday, a “new day for workers at Activision Blizzard.”
“Over two years ago, workers at Activision Blizzard’s studios captured the country’s attention through walkouts and other protests over discrimination, sexual harassment, pay inequity, and other issues they were facing on the job,” Cummings said in a statement. “Their efforts to form unions were met with illegal retaliation and attempts to delay and block union elections.”
An Activision spokesperson declined to comment.
