Microsoft won't block unionisation efforts at Activision Blizzard Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft won't block unionisation efforts at Activision Blizzard Response to letter by QA staff at Raven Software. News by Ed Nightingale News reporter Updated on 25 Mar 2022 13 comments Microsoft will not object to Activision Blizzard recognising unionisation efforts from its staff. As reported by Axios, Microsoft responded to a letter from Activision staff at Call of Duty studio Raven Software looking to unionise. QA testers at the studio announced their intent to unionise back in January. Their bid continued despite Activision Blizzard missing the deadline to acknowledge their efforts. Following the announcement of Microsoft's $69bn takeover of the publisher, staff sent a letter to CEO Satya Nadella requesting information on the company's involvement in approving or denying unionisation efforts. It additionally asks: "[W]hat conditions, if any, will Microsoft put on the collective bargaining process?" A Microsoft spokesperson responded to Axios, stating: "Microsoft will not stand in the way if Activision Blizzard recognises a union. "Microsoft respects Activision Blizzard employees' right to choose whether to be represented by a labour organisation and we will honour those decisions." The Washington Post also acquired the letter, reporting it denounces the involvement of law firm Reed Smith, which published anti-union material on its website. "I hope that you will agree that this demeaning and insulting approach to employees who are seeking to improve their workplace should not be tolerated," reads the letter. The Game Workers Alliance set up by staff at Raven Software is yet to respond publicly to Microsoft's comments, though earlier this month it reiterated its intention to unionise. "With a protected voice on the job we will compel management to listen & implement changes we know will not just benefit Raven QA, but will send a message across the industry," reads a tweet. "That is why we will not stop organising." With a protected voice on the job we will compel management to listen & implement changes we know will not just benefit Raven QA, but will send a message across the industry.That is why we will not stop organizing. We, the workers, will win. #WeAreRaven #WeAreGWA- Game Workers Alliance #WeAreGWA (@WeAreGWA) March 1, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings The ABetterABK workers alliance is also continuing to fight for unionisation. There's power in numbers! A big thank you to everyone who stopped by @CODE_CWA's booth at #GDC22 to talk about unionizing in your workplace! pic.twitter.com/3HTcIn35mo- ABetterABK ABK Workers Alliance (@ABetterABK) March 24, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings A new lawsuit has also been filed against Activision Blizzard, following fresh allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.> Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 8 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store