Blizzard Workers Ratify First Union Contract with Microsoft

Blizzard Entertainment, now under the ownership of Microsoft, has successfully negotiated and ratified its inaugural union contract. This landmark agreement was approved by a workforce vote encompassing just under 1,900 staff members.

The newly established contract introduces significant protections for employees concerning the use of generative artificial intelligence, proper crediting for their contributions, policies on remote work, and procedures related to layoffs.

Blizzard's previously distinct unions have been reorganized into three primary bargaining units. The first unit represents employees working on "World of Warcraft," Blizzard QA, and "Hearthstone." The second unit covers the platform and technology teams, customer support, localization, and the story and franchise development departments. The third unit focuses on "Diablo" and "Overwatch" teams.

Following over two years of intensive negotiations, the contract, which is set to last between four and five years depending on the specific bargaining group, addresses crediting protocols, ensuring that both current and former staff are credited by name in all titles they contributed to. It also outlines remote work policies, designating certain roles as hybrid while providing a clear process for employees to apply for fully remote positions.

The agreement mandates a 60-day notice period for layoffs, or equivalent pay, and provides one week of severance pay for every six months of employment. Employees also retain recall rights for 14 months. A successorship clause is included, meaning the terms of this agreement will remain in effect even if Blizzard is acquired by another company.

Regarding artificial intelligence, the contract stipulates that while AI tools may assist in game development to enhance human judgment and creativity, AI-assisted workflows must maintain appropriate human oversight and review for accuracy and quality. Furthermore, any implementation of AI technology that could "materially impact work performed by union employees" must undergo collective bargaining before it is put into practice.

Blizzard President Johanna Faries expressed her appreciation for the dedication and involvement of the represented employees and bargaining committees throughout this process. She also acknowledged the continued work of all Blizzard employees during this period. Faries stated that the ratification of these agreements represents a significant achievement and underscores a shared commitment to collaborative work in supporting both their teams and their players.

In related news within Activision, the developer of "Candy Crush," King, has declined to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with the Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer.

Several Microsoft subsidiaries, including Activision, have seen unionization efforts since 2022. Notably, Raven Software's QA group was the first major video game union established in the United States.