Employees at Raven Software, one of Activision Blizzard’s internal Call of Duty: Warzone studios, have ended their strike action plans for now.
In December, after several contractors within Raven Software’s quality assurance (QA) department were laid off, the ABK Workers Alliance began raising funds to prepare for a labor strike. Funding went on to surpass $360,000 and prompted management to respond.
On Friday, more than 30 QA testers within Raven Software formed the Game Workers Alliance (GWA), one of the first video game unions in North America. Then, on Saturday, the ABK Workers Alliance announced that the labor strike action will end should Activision Blizzard management recognize the union.
“Pending the recognition of our union, the Raven QA strike has ended,” reads a statement on Twitter. “Unused strike funds are being stored for future organizing/strike efforts.”
Pending the recognition of our union, the Raven QA strike has ended. Unused strike funds are being stored for future organizing/strike efforts.
We'll post or retweet any GWU updates here. Appreciate all the community support throughout the strike!
— ABetterABK 💙 ABK Workers Alliance (@ABetterABK) January 23, 2022
The ABK Workers Alliance went on to clarify that it’s waiting for recognition from Activision Blizzard but will “act in good faith” by putting an end to the strike. Any leftover money from the strike action fund will be stored for future unionization efforts.
Please no not misquote here media: we have asked to be recognized under GWA, *pending* refers to pending response from leadership. Either positive or negative. We are acting in good faith and asking for good faith. https://t.co/H8dOjsaXjO
— ABetterABK 💙 ABK Workers Alliance (@ABetterABK) January 23, 2022
“While we believe that a direct relationship between the company and its team members delivers the strongest workforce opportunities, we deeply respect the rights of all employees under the law to make their own decisions about whether or not to join a union,” Activision Blizzard said via Reuters.
Time will tell if the company will recognize the GWA’s request.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.
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