Blizzard Employees Secure Historic Labor Deal with Microsoft

Microsoft has made significant concessions to its Blizzard studio employees, resulting in a landmark collective bargaining agreement. The deal affects over 1900 industry professionals and was reached after negotiations with the Communications Workers of America.

The new contract includes provisions for mandatory discussions on the use of generative artificial intelligence at work, increased base pay, and a hybrid three-day workweek with expanded remote options. Employees will also have greater protection from layoffs, with guaranteed four weeks of additional severance pay.

A key feature of the agreement is that laid-off employees will have first refusal on returning to open positions within any Blizzard studio division for 14 months after their termination.