Microsoft will not oppose unionization of Activision Blizzard studios

Microsoft has assured that it will not oppose Activision Blizzard if the company recognizes the unionization of its workers. This position, reported by Axios Gaming, comes after the company's employees sent a letter to the American giant to take a stance on the possible unionization of Raven Software, currently responsible of Call of Duty: Warzone, in The Game Workers Alliance.

In the letter sent to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the employees ask whether or not the company has authorized approving or opposing Raven Software's unionization proposal. They have also probed the possibility that the conglomerate could potentially approve this move.

“Microsoft will not stand in the way if Activision Blizzard recognizes a union”, a Microsoft representative told Axios Gaming after the media outlet inquired about the missive. “Microsoft respects Activision Blizzard employees’ right to choose whether to be represented by a labor organization and we will honor those decisions.” However, the U.S. firm does not clarify whether negotiations have begun. The workers have also asked about the terms of collective bargaining.

Timeline: Activision Blizzard refused to unionize

Activision Blizzard refused to acknowledge the unionization proposal. Raven Soft had set a January deadline, but the company led by Bobby Kotick turned a deaf ear. After a strike that lasted two months and began in December 2021, employees decided to stop it in order to unionize. It all started after layoffs and cutbacks that took place within the company last year.

If the acquisition is approved, Microsoft will take over Activision Blizzard for a figure close to $70 billion. The Federal Trade Commission is currently monitoring the documents to determine whether or not to approve the purchase. They have requested more data from both companies.

Source | Axios Gaming