On Thursday, Activision Blizzard developers from the ABK Workers’ Union collective (and at least one dog) gathered outside the gates of Blizzard Entertainment’s Irvine, California campus. Many raised their fists high as a show of solidarity among workers; others clutched signs that read “end gender inequality,” “human rights are not a game,” and more clearly, “game unions now.” Hundreds of others gathered in four states and joined online in the latest installment of walk a few times.
Organizers have timed this week’s protest to mark one year since the state of California File a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard alleging widespread harassment and discrimination within the company. Some workers say there have been few meaningful changes from management during that time. However, the culture outside of Activision Blizzard has changed, making the company’s mishandling of its union workers increasingly outdated.
According to the National Labor Relations Board, from October 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, the number of petitions for union representation increased by 58 percent. In the game, the union shop is just growing. Independent studio Tender Claws today announced its own alliance with the Media Foundation of America. Activision Blizzard is now the home of one of the gaming industries first AAA unionAfter ensuring the quality of workers at Call of Duty producer Raven Software has successfully won recognition through the election. A second, separate unit of quality assurance workers at Snowstorm Albany, formerly known as Vicarious Visions, is now seeking recognition. “We are firm believers that a seat at the negotiating table gives us the power to advance the workplace, make the environment safer, give us conversations. and a fair and equal voice in how the company is run,” associate test analyst Matthew Devlin told WIRED.
That unit, which calls itself GWA Albany, is hoping that Activision Blizzard will voluntarily recognize their alliance, Devlin said — a path the company hasn’t taken with Raven Software. “We have a super majority,” he said, referring to the numbers needed to win an NLRB election for recognition. “For them to reject us and not recognize us would be an act of foolishness on their part.” When asked about the company’s plans for union recognition, Activision Blizzard spokesman Rich George said “our first priority remains our employees.”
“We deeply respect the right of all employees by law to make their own decisions about whether to join a union or not,” he said in a statement. “We believe the direct company-employee relationship is the most productive.”
Raven’s unit provided a glimpse into how future unions within the company might function. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick told employees that the company will come to the negotiating table—A legal claim — after their successful election. These workers are currently “going through a democratic process, electing their bargaining committee” before they meet with leadership, CODE-CWA organizer and former Activision Blizzard employee Jessica Gonzalez said.
Across the country, hundreds of Activision Blizzard employees in California, Texas, Minnesota and New York are hoping to win more union recognition. The July 21 walkout is in part a response to the more disturbing changes taking place across the country. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wadecompanies in the industry have loudly declare their support for the right to abortion and other important health services, such as gender-affirmation care. Some employees at Activision Blizzard don’t believe the company has done enough to assist after that news. As part of this weekend’s Gender Inequality training, workers asked to protect employees “from external threats such as the recent ouster of Roe v. Wade“As well as” safe and affordable healthcare policies that fully protect workers and give them legal access to life-saving procedures such as abortion and transgender health care “.
