Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CWA Secures Groundbreaking Labor Neutrality Agreement with Microsoft

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and Microsoft announced on Monday they have entered into a labor neutrality agreement. The landmark agreement will apply at video game company Activision Blizzard after Microsoft’s acquisition closes, and it reflects a fundamental belief by both organizations that enabling workers to freely and fairly make a choice about union representation will benefit Microsoft and its employees, and create opportunities for innovation in the gaming sector.

“This agreement provides a pathway for Activision Blizzard workers to exercise their democratic rights to organize and collectively bargain,” said CWA President Chris Shelton. “Microsoft’s binding commitments will give employees a seat at the table and ensure that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard benefits the company’s workers and the broader video game labor market.

Quality assurance workers at Activision Blizzard subsidiary Raven Software recently voted to form a union with CWA, and the agreement with Microsoft opens the door for many more video game workers to join them.