SAN FRANCISCO: A group of employees at an Activision Blizzard studio working on the “Call of Duty” franchise said Friday they have formed a union and will seek voluntary accreditation from the company, which turns into the video game giant. It marks the first foothold of organized labour. ,
The union, supported by the Communications Workers of America, represents 34 people in Raven Software’s quality assurance division.
Activision said it was looking into the matter. Activists can also demand that elections be held under the supervision of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Activision’s stock has tumbled in recent months as the company faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, and on Tuesday Microsoft Corp. announced plans to acquire the company. -up-activation-blizzard-culture-2022-01-20.
As criticism of Activision Blizzard’s culture has grown in recent months, employees have banded together to influence the company’s future, including staging a walkout and circulating a petition calling for the removal of chief executive Bobby Kotick. Is.
Unionization has emerged as a target for some, and activists in other parts of Activision Blizzard are also signing union cards, said Jessica Gonzalez, a former Activision employee, as well as a current employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Used to speak
Raven’s quality assurance tester Ona Rongstad said, “I hope we’re able to serve as inspiration and help guide other parts of Activision Blizzard … that want to follow in our footsteps.” “
Activision Blizzard said in a statement that it is “carefully reviewing” the request for voluntary recognition.
“While we believe that a direct relationship between the company and its team members provides opportunities for the strongest workforce, we deeply respect the rights of all employees under the law regarding whether or not to join a union. in order to make its own decisions,” the company said. ,
If Activision Blizzard does not voluntarily recognize the union, activists plan to hold NLRB-sponsored elections, Rongstad said.
Rongstad said employees on Raven’s quality assurance team began to strike in December after learning that 12 of their colleagues had been furloughed.
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