User research workers at Activision unionize
User research workers at Activision have voted to unionize.
In a press release, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) confirmed a supermajority of the Microsoft-owned staff voted in favor of union representation. Microsoft has recognized the union.
CWA said the Activision User Research Union-CWA marks the first group of video game user researchers to form a union, joining over 2,000 workers at Microsoft-owned studios to organize under the company’s neutrality agreement with CWA.
“We are excited to join our fellow game makers across the video game industry to show what’s possible when workers can freely build solidarity in the workplace. Many of us were mobilized to do something about the layoffs in 2023 and 2024, and now we can look out for each other with a union,” said organizing committee member and quantitative user researcher, Nicolaas VanMeerten.
In the video game industry, user research focuses on understanding players’ opinions, behaviors, and needs to deliver insights to their development teams. By hosting players in their studios, user research helps bridge the gap between those who design video games and those who play them.”
“A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about,” added organizing committee member and user research moderator Pat Dimaandal. “Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that’s why we’re organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.”
“It is critical that workers have a protected voice on the job to ensure they receive their fair share. We are proud to welcome these workers to CWA and are looking forward to meeting Microsoft at the bargaining table to secure a fair union contract,” said Maurice Washington, President of CWA Local 9400.
CWA said that by being part of a union, user researchers hope to “secure significant improvements at their workplace, including higher wages, job security, and protections amid record-breaking layoffs in the video game industry, and transparency around promotions and career advancement.”
Last month, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) slammed former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick’s claims that the numerous reports of harassment that allegedly took place when he led the firm were “fake.”
