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After Years Of Company Stalling, Blizzard Workers Win Mega-Contract That Applies To All Unionized Teams
Aftermath • • technology
Key Points:
- After two years of negotiations and worker mobilization, Blizzard unions have secured a comprehensive contract covering 1,900 employees across multiple teams, including World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and Quality Assurance, unifying previously separate agreements.
- The contract includes strong layoff protections such as severance pay and expanded recall rights allowing laid-off employees to be rehired in any qualified unit within 14 months, a rare provision in the tech industry.
- Workers gained just cause protections preventing arbitrary layoffs, locked in hybrid and remote work arrangements, and established salary floors with raises up to 34% for severely underpaid employees.
- AI-related workplace protections were negotiated, requiring the company to consult and bargain with unions on AI implementation impacts, ensuring workers have a voice amid evolving technology use.
- Union members acknowledge the contract is a foundation for future progress, emphasizing the need for ongoing enforcement and expressing interest in broader social justice issues as their union matures.
