Activision QA United-CWA union vote to authorise strike, claims publisher has “failed to bargain in good faith over key issues”
By “Our affiliates are weary of the delays and are ready to take necessary actions to achieve a just contract, equitable pay, and appropriate working conditions.”
Image credit: Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA
Members of the Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA (AQAU-CWA) union have cast their votes to permit a strike if needed, asserting that Activision has “failed to negotiate in good faith regarding crucial matters” in the quest for an initial contract.
The AQAU-CWA’s negotiation committee commenced discussions with Activision in August 2024, following their formation in March when more than 600 QA workers united.
Microsoft voluntarily acknowledged the union under its labor neutrality agreement, which it established with the CWA in 2022. The CWA now represents nearly 2,500 employees at Activision Blizzard.
“For two years, Activision has postponed and hindered discussions instead of fulfilling their obligation to negotiate in good faith with the committed employees who work on highly successful titles that the gaming community cherishes,” stated CWA District 7 vice president Susie McAllister.
Significant issues being discussed involve pay raises, AI safeguards, contractor employment, and workers’ rights to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The outcomes of the strike authorization vote deliver a decisive message to Activision management: it is time to cease the games because our members are united and ready to do what is necessary to secure the robust contract they merit.”
AQAU-CWA bargaining committee member and QA functional tester Jenna Huffman remarked: “Activision’s delays at the negotiation table indicate that they are not the principled, union-neutral employer they once pledged to be and are instead aggressively opposing us in bad faith during discussions.”
“Our affiliates are weary of the delays and are ready to take necessary actions to achieve a just contract, equitable pay, and appropriate working conditions for everyone.”
In response to the authorization to strike, an Activision representative informed Kotaku that it “has been working in good faith with the CWA for the Central QA team and we have made significant advancements on various issues.”
“Our objective is a just first contract that supports our QA team members and the long-term prosperity of the business.
