Raven Software has achieved its initial collective bargaining workplace protections since unionizing three years prior

Employees at Raven Software, an Activision studio, have officially finalized their inaugural union contract with Microsoft.

The agreement represents a progression of union efforts by Microsoft gaming employees, aiming to enhance industry standards.

Following three years of discussions, the newly signed deal assures a 10% salary increase over two years, alongside additional merit-based raises and promotions. According to the Game Workers Alliance-CWA (GWA-CWA), this boost comes after a period of 18 months without salary hikes and 45 months without promotions.

The contract addresses reducing crunch time, mandates a week's notice for any required overtime, and prevents excessive overtime, allowing flexible scheduling. It also restricts mandatory overtime during most weeks each quarter.

Further workplace safeguards stipulate recognition of work done during temporary or contract positions, clear job roles, a fair promotion system, amplified disability accommodations, and protections against layoffs, including severance, recall rights, COBRA subsidies, and career support, as per the CWA union.

Erin Hall, a Raven Software QA tester and bargaining committee member, stated, “After over three years of organizing and negotiating, seeing everything come to fruition is amazing. From the start, we prioritized inclusivity, and the contract reflects the needs for improved pay, career opportunities, and burnout prevention. This contract truly appreciates QA work. I’m proud of our achievements and hope it demonstrates that organizing is both effective and worthwhile.”

Fellow QA tester and committee member Autumn Prazuch added, “Transitioning from organizing to negotiating with one of the largest tech entities was a significant learning experience, but our focus remained clear. We fought hard for pay increases and job frameworks to make QA a viable career path and negotiated caps on mandatory crunch. This contract is a victory for game workers ready to seek better futures.”

Linda L. Hinton, vice president of CWA District 4, remarked, "This contract exemplifies how organized gaming workers can achieve enduring workplace reforms. By negotiating with Microsoft to limit sustained overtime, a common exploitative practice in the industry, standards for QA testers and game workers are elevated. We proudly welcome these members to the CWA District 4 family."

This marks the first union contract between Microsoft and its employees.

Last August, Raven Software's unionized workers filed a complaint against the studio and parent firms Activision and Microsoft, alleging refusal to negotiate.