In November of last year it was announced that part of the quality control employees at Raven Software, an Activision Blizzard studio that is responsible for Call of Duty: Warzonethey would be fired. This resulted in a series of protests and the formation of a union in January 2022. Since then, this group of workers has fought to be recognized by Activision, something that has been quite complicated. Now, it has been revealed that Microsoft would have no problem if this union becomes a complete reality.
In a letter shared by Axios, Raven Software workers wrote directly to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, to find out her position on this situation, and ask him to help stop Activision’s tactics to destroy this syndicate. This was what they commented:
“Most of the quality control employees at our location have signed union authorization cards and we have asked Activision Blizzard to recognize our union with the Communications Workers of America. We recently learned that, as part of its proposed merger, Activision Blizzard must seek Microsoft’s approval to voluntarily recognize or enter into a collective bargaining agreement with us as a union.”
A version of the letter is also slated to run in Microsoft’s backyard this weekend in the Sunday edition of the Seattle Times pic.twitter.com/e1sHUSKFLY
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) March 24, 2022
In response, Microsoft commented:
“Microsoft won’t stand in the way if Activision Blizzard acknowledges a join. Microsoft respects the right of Activision Blizzard employees to choose whether to be represented by a labor organization and we will honor those choices.”
In this way, it is implied that Microsoft would have no problem if the Raven Software union is recognized by Activision Blizzard. However, it is currently unknown what conditions this company could put in any collective bargaining agreement, and where in the discussions this conversation stands.
Alongside this, there is much skepticism about this position. In 2014, Microsoft subcontractors voted to form a union and were soon fired by their direct boss. Similarly, an anti-union complaint against Microsoft filed with the NLRB in 2016 failed to move forward.
At the moment we can only wait and see what will happen. In related topics, you can learn more about the Raven Software union here. Similarly, Activision Blizzard does not recognize this group.
Editor’s note:
Considering that the purchase of Activision Blizzard is not yet complete, and several legal groups in the United States are on this case, the response of the CEO of Microsoft makes sense. Whether these words will come true once the acquisition comes to an end remains to be seen.
Via: Axios
#Microsoft #Ravens #union #Atomix
