Union members of AQAU-CWA have voted to approve a strike if necessary, citing Activision’s alleged failure to negotiate in good faith on critical issues during talks for their initial contract.
The bargaining committee of AQAU-CWA started discussions with Activision in August 2024, following their establishment in March when over 600 QA employees joined the union.
Microsoft willingly acknowledged the union as per its labor neutrality agreement with CWA in 2022. Currently, CWA represents nearly 2,500 employees at Activision Blizzard.
Susie McAllister, CWA District 7 vice president, stated, “For two years, Activision has been postponing and obstructing negotiations instead of fulfilling their duty to negotiate in good faith with the hardworking employees who contribute to successful game titles cherished by the gaming community.”
The main topics under discussion include salary raises, AI regulations, use of contractors, and employees’ rights to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The outcome of the strike approval vote sends a clear message to Activision’s management: it’s time to get serious because our members are unified and ready to take the necessary steps to secure the fair contract they deserve.”
Jenna Huffman, a member of AQAU-CWA’s bargaining committee and a QA functional tester, added, “Activision’s delays at the negotiation table indicate that they are not the fair, union-friendly employer they once pledged to be, and instead, they are actively opposing us in bad faith during negotiations.”
“Our members are fed up with the delays and are prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve a fair contract, fair wages, and fair working conditions for all.”
In response to the strike authorization, an Activision spokesperson told Kotaku that they “have been engaging in sincere discussions with the CWA for the Central QA team and have made significant progress on various issues.”
“Our objective is to establish a fair initial contract that supports our QA team members and the long-term prosperity of the company. We are dedicated to maintaining open communication with the union and have proposed to meet again on October 21 and 22. We respect our employees’ right to participate in protected activities, including the right to strike. We have plans in place to ensure that there is no disruption to players or upcoming game releases.”