Microsoft QA Workers Win 3-Year Union Fight

Quality assurance employees at Raven Software, a Call of Duty developer, have successfully ratified their first union contract with Microsoft three years after forming their union.

Landmark Contract Provisions

The newly ratified agreement includes:

• A guaranteed 10% salary increase phased over two years
• Additional performance-based raises
• Strict limitations on mandatory overtime
• Enhanced job security protections
• Improved disability accommodations

A Long Road to Recognition

The unionization effort traces back to December 2021 when Activision Blizzard (then Raven's parent company) implemented layoffs as part of restructuring. QA staff organized walkouts lasting weeks, gaining cross-company support.

"This contract validates our years of effort," said bargaining committee member Erin Hall. "We've secured better pay, career growth opportunities, and safeguards against burnout - proving that collective action works."

Despite initial resistance from Activision Blizzard management, workers won official union recognition through an election in May 2022. Microsoft's subsequent acquisition in 2023 created new bargaining dynamics.

Growing Labor Movement in Gaming

Raven's QA team became Activision Blizzard's first unionized workforce. Since Microsoft's acquisition, unionization has spread to other Xbox divisions including multiple ZeniMax studios.

This landmark agreement follows ZeniMax QA workers securing their own contract last May, while negotiations continue elsewhere across Microsoft Gaming.

The Raven contract sets precedent for improved compensation, working conditions, and job security across gaming QA positions.