Activision and Microsoft are taking steps towards unionizing video game workers

Amanda Levine, a quality control employee, was involved in the studio’s union campaign. Workers were frustrated that the company tried to stop the election because it only involved quality assurance workers, and not the entire studio. The National Labor Relations Board unacceptableActivision tries to stop union elections at its Wisconsin facility for similar reasons, but it is unsuccessful. Appeal to the job boardThis is also the case.

Lavigne said that “it’s just a stabbing tactic” in an interview before the votes had been counted.

Activision spokesperson claimed that New York and Wisconsin were “very different” in their setups and that it believes the entire Albany studio should have the right to vote. According to the spokesperson, the company is looking at “all legal options” including trying to overturn the election.

Activision workers who want to unionize might find the company more accommodating in the future.

Microsoft will launch its June edition Announce an agreementCommunications Workers of America, where it promised to remain neutral if Activision employees sought to unionize in the United States after the acquisition. Activision has it about 7,000Most state employees are eligible for union membership.

Microsoft had a motive to seek a neutrality agreement. It had the politically powerful Communication Workers’ Union raised questionsThe takeover, which regulators are closely monitoring. According to the union, its concerns regarding the takeover were addressed after it reached a neutrality deal.

The company indicated at the time it would extend the neutrality agreement for existing Microsoft employees. It also stated that it was willing to “build upon” the deal. This was the first time that the union tested this proposition. Microsoft followed suit when it tried to organize ZeniMax’s quality assurance workers.

Microsoft may have had another reason to remain neutral. The company could demonstrate that it has a healthy relation with organized workers to help pass the deal under a union friendly Biden administration. intensifies.

Chris Shelton, the president of the union, serves as a reminder. Met with the bossIn October, the Federal Trade Commission urged regulators to not block the deal.

Karen WiseContribute to the preparation and editing of reports.