Raven Software achieves initial collective-bargaining workplace protections following its unionization three years prior
Employees at Raven Software, a studio under Activision, have formalized their inaugural union contract with Microsoft.
The new agreement is seen as a continuation of the current push by Microsoft's video game workforce to enhance standards in the gaming sector.
Following three years of negotiations, the deal guarantees a 10% pay hike over a two-year span, coupled with "additional increases based on merit and promotions." The Game Workers Alliance-CWA (GWA-CWA) notes that this wage rise comes after employees endured 18 months without salary increases and 45 months without receiving promotions.
The contract aims to eliminate crunch periods and ensures a week's notice for any required overtime, providing guidelines against extensive consecutive overtime, permitting flexible scheduling, and significantly limiting mandatory overtime throughout most of a quarter.
Workplace protections under the agreement include counting previous temporary or contract work towards benefits, establishing clear job descriptions and fair promotion processes, enhanced disability accommodations, and safeguards during layoffs, such as severance pay, recall rights, substantial COBRA subsidies, and career transition assistance, according to the union.
Erin Hall, a QA tester at Raven Software and a member of the bargaining team, remarked, “After over three years of advocating and negotiating, seeing our efforts come to fruition is incredible. From the start, we prioritized including everyone in the discussions, and the resulting contract meets our needs — increased pay, tangible career opportunities, and measures to prevent burnout. It’s a contract that truly acknowledges the value of QA work. I’m proud of our achievements and hope it inspires other game workers to consider organizing.”
Autumn Prazuch, another QA tester and bargaining team participant, added, "Moving from organizing to negotiating with one of the world's largest tech firms was a significant learning experience, but we remained focused on our goals. We strived for meaningful pay rises and job structures that make QA a sustainable career choice, and managed to establish boundaries on mandatory crunch. Ratifying this contract represents a victory for game workers ready to take steps toward better industry standards."
Linda L. Hinton, vice president of CWA District 4, commented, "This contract between our members and Microsoft demonstrates that organized video game workers can secure lasting workplace changes.
“By securing an agreement with Microsoft that curtails excessive overtime known as crunch, these members have addressed one of the industry's most exploitative practices, setting new benchmarks for quality assurance testers and video game employees industry-wide. We are thrilled to welcome these members into the CWA District 4 community."
This agreement is the first of its kind between union members and Microsoft.
