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Blizzard QA Workers Secure Union Contract
2 Feb
Summary
- Quality assurance workers at two Blizzard locations ratified a union contract.
- The agreement covers 60 workers, with guaranteed pay increases and job security.
- New contract includes protections for immigrant workers and AI usage rules.
Quality assurance workers at two Blizzard locations have successfully ratified a union contract, a significant development for 60 employees at Blizzard Albany and Blizzard Austin. This agreement comes after nearly three years of bargaining with Microsoft, the parent company.
The newly ratified contract guarantees pay increases across its three-year term. It also ensures workers receive fair credit and recognition for their contributions to shipped games. Protections against discrimination for disability accommodations are included, alongside restrictions on mandatory overtime, commonly known as crunch.
Furthermore, the contract introduces enhanced rules for artificial intelligence usage in the workplace. It also provides protections for immigrant workers against unfair disciplinary actions and safeguards their seniority during legal verification processes. Brock Davis, a quality analyst at Blizzard Albany, stated that this contract is a crucial step towards a better future for video game workers, offering livable wages and increased job security.
