Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment has secured a first union contract with parent company Microsoft, ratified by a workforce vote covering just under 1,900 staff. Read more
Blizzard Entertainment has reached a union agreement with its parent company Microsoft, ratified by nearly 1,900 employees. The deal introduces safeguards for generative AI use, crediting, remote work, and layoffs. Previously separate unions have been merged into three main bargaining units: World of Warcraft, QA, and Hearthstone; platform and technology, customer support, localization, and story development; and Diablo and Overwatch.
The four to five-year contract guarantees crediting for current and former staff, remote work options, and notice periods. A successorship clause ensures the agreement remains in place if Microsoft sells the company. Blizzard president Johanna Faries expressed appreciation for the employees' dedication and engagement. The ratification signifies a strong commitment to collaboration between Blizzard and its employees.
In contrast, Candy Crush developer King has rejected a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions. Other Microsoft subsidiaries, including King's parent company Activision, have unionized since 2022.
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