Blizzard Workers Secure Union Contracts with Significant Protections
Blizzard workers, including those behind popular games like World of Warcraft and Diablo, have secured their first union contracts after voting to join the Communications Workers (CWA) in September. The 1,900 employees won significant protections, including recall rights and guaranteed severance packages for laid-off workers.
The CWA has organized 4,000 video game workers at Microsoft, which acquired Blizzard in 2023 for $75 billion. The union's contracts include a guarantee of four weeks' severance plus an additional week for every six months' tenure, up to 39 weeks.
Blizzard workers also secured language requiring the company to discuss and evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on their work, as well as protections against outsourcing. The contract includes just cause protections, a grievance procedure, and a three-day in-office hybrid workweek.