Raven Software QA Union Ratifies First Contract with Microsoft
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at Raven Software, a studio under Activision known for its contributions to the Call of Duty series, has officially ratified its first union contract with Microsoft. The Game Workers Alliance (GWA-CWA) union, formed three years ago, has finally concluded its negotiations with the company, marking a significant milestone for workers' rights in the gaming industry.
This new contract secures a 10% pay raise for Raven QA testers over the next two years, along with additional merit-based bonuses and opportunities for promotions. The GWA-CWA highlighted that this is the first pay increase for these employees after 18 months without salary adjustments and 45 months without career advancement opportunities.
Key Protections and Benefits
Beyond the pay raises, the agreement includes crucial protections against excessive overtime, addressing long-standing concerns within the industry. The contract specifically limits:
- Prolonged periods of excessive overtime, preventing workers from being overworked for weeks on end.
- Inflexible overtime schedules that previously offered little recourse for employees.
- Mandatory overtime during the majority of weeks within a quarter.
Furthermore, the contract formalizes the recognition of seniority for temporary and contract employees, establishes clear job descriptions, implements a transparent system for promotions, and expands accommodations for employees with disabilities, among other provisions.
Erin Hall, a Raven Software QA tester and member of the negotiation team, expressed immense pride in the outcome: "After three years of struggle and negotiations, finally seeing a result is incredible. From the very beginning, we wanted every voice to be heard, and this agreement reflects our demands: decent wages, real career prospects, and protection from burnout. This is an agreement that truly values the work of testers. I am proud of what we have achieved and I hope this inspires other workers in the gaming industry to unite – it's worth it."
A Long Road to Recognition
The journey toward unionization for Raven Software QA testers began in January 2022 with a strike following the dismissal of twelve QA team members. By May of the same year, the Game Workers Alliance was formally established, despite significant resistance from Activision Blizzard. However, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the union eventually received recognition.
This landmark agreement sets a precedent for workers in the AAA gaming space, demonstrating the impact of collective bargaining on improving working conditions and compensation. It signifies a positive step forward for employee welfare within the broader video game industry, potentially inspiring similar movements in other studios.
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