The tech giant's $68.7 billion acquisition of the embattled video game publisher is expected to close in fiscal year 2023.
The Game Workers Alliance was established in January in response to Activision's decision to lay off 12 of Raven Software's QA contractors. Prior to the group's formation, 60 Raven Software workers walked out to protest the layoffs on Dec. 6 and went on strike for five weeks. The Raven QA team predominantly works on the studio’s popular Call of Duty series.
"This is huge! Our hard work is paying off," the union tweeted Monday. "Thanks to Microsoft for committing to neutrality!" In a statement on Friday, Activision said it would begin good faith negotiations to enter a collective bargaining agreement with the Communication Workers of America. "While first labor contracts can take some time to complete, we will meet CWA leaders at the bargaining table and work toward an agreement that supports the success of all our employees, that further strengthens our commitment to create the industry’s best, most welcoming and inclusive workplace, and enhances our ability to deliver world class games for our player," Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said.