After months of illegal union-busting tactics, and whining about a few employees unionizing affects the entire studio Bob Kotick has recognized the Raven Software union and entered negotiations with the CWA. I will share today’s press release at the bottom of the page, but although this a huge victory for Activision Blizzard employees as a whole, I have to point out what led to his victory so it doesn’t get whitewashed and forgotten. This press release makes Kotick look like the good guy in PR style.
These links provide the true picture. For ABetterABK!
Union busting stuff:
- Activision Blizzard accused of union busting (GameRant)
- Activision Exec to organizing workers: Pwease Don’t Unionize (Kotaku) – Dec 2021
- Brief Summary of the Activision Blizzard scandal and consecutive issues (GamesRadar)
- CWA accuses Activision of threatening employees for discussing work conditions (Engadget) — Apr 2022
- CWA files second unfair labor practice charges against Activision Blizzard over threatening employee’s protected speech (CWA) — Apr 29, 2022
- Call of Duty workers at Activision Blizzard vote to form union (Reuters) — May 23, 2022
- Activision Blizzard is sending anti-union emails ahead of Raven Software vote (IGN) — May 9, 2022
- Activision Tells Raven Staff That Unionizing Could Affect Promotions And Benefits Coverage (Thegamer) — May 11, 2022
Activision Blizzard Recognizes GWA Raven Software Union
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun. 10, 2022– Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) CEO Bobby Kotick today sent the following letter to all US employees:
Team,
I wanted to share the news that we will begin negotiations with the Communications Workers of America related to the 27 quality assurance employees at Raven Software, the majority of whom have chosen to be represented by this union. With the election having concluded, we will engage in good faith negotiations to enter into a collective bargaining agreement.
While first labor contracts can take some time to complete, we will meet CWA leaders at the bargaining table and work toward an agreement that supports the success of all our employees, that further strengthens our commitment to create the industry’s best, most welcoming and inclusive workplace, and enhances our ability to deliver world class games for our players.
We begin this process after major investments in our QA team members over the past couple years, including significantly increasing starting pay for QA specialists and converting over 1,100 U.S.-based temporary and contingent QA workers to full-time positions. This conversion is providing access to comprehensive company benefits for QA employees and their eligible dependents. In addition, we have expanded access to performance bonuses for QA employees and learning and development opportunities. We also have integrated QA more seamlessly into the game development process, increasing collaboration that results in better products for our players and more opportunities for our teams.
This is a time of great opportunity for our company. I want to thank you for the passion, skill, and commitment you bring each day to create great games, to embrace opportunities to make this the industry’s very best place to work, and to connect and engage our players around the world.
With appreciation,
Bobby
—– source: Activision Blizzard press release
