Unionisation Makes Strides: Time to Fulfill Promises | Opinion

Over time, then all at once.

Though Ernest Hemingway originally used this phrase to describe financial ruin, it fittingly applies to a variety of transformations, including those in politics, society, and individual achievements.

This phrase embodies the tipping point concept, where prolonged periods of slow change can suddenly shift to rapid progress, making change appear inevitable in hindsight.

Tipping points often seem clear only after they occur, making them hard to recognize in real time. This week might signify such a moment for unionization within the gaming industry, as two significant unions were established.

If we look back in the future, this week might be seen as a pivotal moment when union efforts in the gaming sector gained momentum. However, it's essential to note that forming these unions is just the beginning; their future actions will determine their lasting impact.

Understanding the background is crucial. The recent success of unionization efforts at these game studios largely stems from an agreement Microsoft made with the Communication Workers of America (CWA) in 2022 during its acquisition discussions for Activision Blizzard.

This agreement required Microsoft to remain neutral on unionization efforts, a stance that is uncommon among major gaming industry employers. Initially applying only to Activision Blizzard employees, this neutrality was later extended to include Zenimax staff.

While there were minor victories for unionization due to this agreement, the formation of major unions at Bethesda and Blizzard this week marks the most significant achievements so far.

This development is particularly gratifying for Blizzard employees, who initiated the unionization push in response to serious issues like poor working conditions and harassment revelations that emerged before Microsoft took over.

The unionization of over 500 World of Warcraft employees is a significant milestone, representing a shift away from Activision Blizzard's previous strong opposition to labor organization despite ongoing public scandals.

The successful unionization of 500+ World of Warcraft staff is a major symbolic milestone in overturning the old regime at Activision Blizzard

So, is this actually a turning point? There's a compelling case to be made. The CWA neutrality deal specifically impacts Microsoft-owned studios, but the visibility of these major union successes could influence other companies.

While few predicted that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard might trigger a unionization wave, the success of these unions could make it more challenging for other employers to resist similar movements from their workforce.

The key issue is defining what "success" means. Forming a union is a significant achievement, especially in an industry where such efforts often falter, but it doesn't guarantee long-term success.

Many unions exist without significantly benefiting their members. The real challenge for these new unions at Microsoft will lie in the collective bargaining stage, where their effectiveness will truly be tested.

In these negotiations, the unions will need to define clear goals and work towards realistic achievements. Initial collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) are likely to focus on common issues like regular pay increases, improved severance packages, harassment procedures, and securing benefits like healthcare and vacation.

While larger game industry employers generally offer these benefits, including them in CBAs will ensure greater equity, particularly for support staff like QA and admin personnel, who often face disparities.

The high visibility of such major unionization successes could start pushing over dominoes elsewhere

However, several contentious areas could pose significant challenges, including job security, reduction of crunch time, and remote work policies. These aspects are crucial for many developers but are likely to face strong resistance from employers.

Another topic, such as how generative AI will be utilized, might take a backseat in the initial CBA negotiations due to the pressing nature of other key issues.

Compromises in these critical areas may be seen as unacceptable constraints by employers, complicating negotiations. Enhanced layoff protections, for instance, limit how flexible employers can be with their workforce.

Similarly, agreements on reducing crunch periods could severely restrict managerial flexibility, which is precisely the goal—to ensure crunch is a last resort, incentivized by substantial compensation.

Remote work has become a contentious issue, often separating skilled employees who prefer it and managers who favor in-person oversight, despite productivity data.

Microsoft and other companies likely have firm stances on these issues, and initial CBAs may only reach basic compromises. Failure to secure significant achievements could undermine broader unionization efforts in the industry.

If unionized workplaces experience layoffs, intense crunch periods, or mandatory office returns, it could lead other workers to question the union's effectiveness.

For these new unions to validate their existence, they must secure meaningful improvements on critical issues, or risk being viewed as just another obstacle in the long struggle for fair labor practices in the gaming industry.

That said, the achievement of unionizing in the first place is significant and worth celebrating, given the historically slow and challenging path toward this end in the industry.

However, forming a union is merely the first step. The real test will be in proving their worth through successful advocacy and negotiations on behalf of their members, shaping the future of unionization in gaming.