adminThe Activision QA union strike vote has authorized the union to call a strike if necessary, as negotiations over its first contract continue. The vote does not mean a strike is already underway: union members say they are prepared to take action if they cannot reach an agreement with the publisher.
Image credit: Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA
Why the Activision QA union strike vote matters
Members of Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA (AQAU-CWA) say Activision has “failed to bargain in good faith over key issues.” The union’s bargaining committee began negotiating with the company in August 2024, several months after more than 600 quality assurance workers unionized in March.
Microsoft voluntarily recognized the union under a labor neutrality agreement it made with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in 2022. The CWA now represents nearly 2,500 workers at Activision Blizzard. Authorization gives the union the option to call a strike; it is separate from a decision to actually stop work.
Practical context: A strike authorization vote can increase pressure during contract negotiations, but it does not by itself confirm when or whether a strike will happen. The union and company may continue bargaining after the vote.
Key issues in the contract negotiations
The union has identified several subjects under discussion that affect workers’ pay, protections, and day-to-day conditions:
- Wage increases
- Safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence
- Use of contractors
- Workers’ rights to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act
CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister said the union believes Activision has delayed negotiations instead of bargaining in good faith. She added that members are united and ready to pursue a strong contract. AQAU-CWA bargaining committee member and QA functional tester Jenna Huffman likewise criticized the company’s approach, saying members want a fair contract, fair wages, and fair working conditions.
These are the union’s stated concerns; the strike vote itself does not resolve the disputed issues. Readers following the negotiations should distinguish between the union’s claims, the employer’s response, and any terms eventually agreed in a contract.
Activision’s response
An Activision spokesperson said the company has been working in good faith with the CWA on behalf of the Central QA team and has made meaningful progress on several issues. The spokesperson described the goal as a fair first contract that supports QA employees and the long-term success of the business.
Activision said it remains committed to dialogue and offered to meet with the union again on October 21 and 22. The company also said it respects employees’ right to take part in protected activity, including striking, and has plans intended to avoid disruption to players or upcoming game releases.
What to watch next
The next significant developments are whether the parties return to negotiations, make progress on wages and workplace protections, and reach a first-contract agreement. The Activision QA union strike vote signals that members are prepared to authorize a strike if needed, but any future action will depend on the union’s decisions and the course of bargaining.
