Blizzard Quality Assurance Employees Ratify Union Contract
After nearly three years of negotiations with Microsoft, quality assurance workers at two Blizzard locations have ratified a union contract that includes pay raises and regulations on the use of artificial intelligence.
Three-Year Negotiation Process Completed
Quality assurance (QA) workers at video game giant Blizzard Entertainment have ratified a union contract, concluding collective bargaining negotiations with Microsoft that lasted nearly three years. The contract covers 60 employees at Blizzard Albany and Blizzard Austin.
Key Provisions of the Contract
The ratified contract provides employees with guaranteed wage increases over three years. It also ensures employees are fairly recognized and credited for released games, mandates non-discriminatory disability accommodations, and imposes restrictions on mandatory overtime practices known as 'crunch'.
The contract also includes protections for immigrant workers from unfair disciplinary actions and loss of seniority, and facilitates legal verification processes. Another notable provision is the inclusion of stronger rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Such regulations parallel the ongoing industry debate about layoff waves and the role of AI.
Statement from Employee Representative
In a statement, Blizzard Albany quality analyst Brock Davis said, 'At a time when layoffs have hit our industry hard, this is a major step forward in building a better future for video game workers at every level.' Davis added, 'For quality assurance testers, this contract provides livable wages, enhanced job security benefits, and protective measures regarding the use of AI in the workplace.'
Third Union Agreement at Microsoft
Like other unions within Microsoft's gaming divisions, the Blizzard QA workers organized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This agreement marks the third union contract signed at Microsoft, following the ratification of contracts by ZeniMax and Raven Software workers last summer.
Within Blizzard, several other departments, including the cinematic team, Overwatch developers, and a unit working on Diablo, have also completed the unionization process in the past year.
