Historic labor neutrality agreement between Microsoft and CWA will extend to Activision Blizzard workers
On Monday, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union organizers and Microsoft announced that they have reached a labor neutrality agreement, in which Microsoft will not interfere with employees’ unionization efforts if the CWA does not oppose its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. According to the press release, the agreement will go into effect 60 days after the successful acquisition, and would apply to all workers under the ActiBlizz umbrella.
“This agreement provides a pathway for Activision Blizzard workers to exercise their democratic rights to organize and collectively bargain after the close of the Microsoft acquisition and establishes a high road framework for employers in the games industry,” 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. The agreement addresses CWA’s previous concerns regarding the acquisition, and, as a result, we support its approval and look forward to working collaboratively with Microsoft after this deal closes.”
“Earlier this month we announced a set of principles that will guide our approach to labor organizations, and the Activision Blizzard acquisition is our first opportunity to put these principles into practice,” said Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith. “We appreciate CWA’s collaboration in reaching this agreement, and we see today’s partnership as an avenue to innovate and grow together.”
The labor neutrality agreement between Microsoft and CWA consists of five basic provisions that will apply to Activision Blizzard employees after the acquisition goes through. The provisions are as follows:
- Microsoft will will take a neutral approach when employees covered by the agreement express interest in joining a union.
- Covered employees will be able to easily exercise their right to communicate with other employees and union representatives about union membership in a way that encourages information sharing and avoids business disruptions.
- Employees will have access to an innovative technology-supported and streamlined process for choosing whether to join a union.
- Employees can maintain confidentiality and privacy of that choice if they wish.
- If a disagreement arises between the CWA and Microsoft under the agreement, the two organizations will work together promptly to reach an agreement and will turn to an expedited arbitration process if they cannot.
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