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Blizzard union workers ratify contract covering 1,900 employees
Game Developer • • technology
Key Points:
- Employees at Blizzard, the developer behind World of Warcraft and Overwatch, have ratified a union contract covering 1,900 workers that includes protections on AI usage, layoffs, and remote work benefits.
- The contract introduces wage increases, a three-day hybrid work week, disability accommodations, and grievance procedures, and requires Microsoft to negotiate over AI implementation in the workplace.
- For the first time in the industry, laid-off workers have the right to be recalled to any Blizzard bargaining unit within 14 months, along with an additional four weeks of severance pay regardless of tenure.
- The ratification comes amid ongoing layoffs at Microsoft’s Xbox division, which has cut over 3,200 jobs since acquiring Activision Blizzard, sparking protests and legal challenges from unions.
- Blizzard president Johanna Faries called the contract a significant milestone, emphasizing the company’s commitment to collaboration with employees and support for their teams and players.
