Following the NLRB results, quality assurance testers at Activision Blizzard and Raven Software will continue negotiations on collective bargaining agreements. If workers and companies cannot agree on terms, the NLRB may file a complaint, or if the company is unlikely to refuse to settle, the board may file a case with a federal judge.
“At this point, this is a very temporary victory for the Guilds. Wilma Lippmann, the former head of the NLRB under former President Barack Obama, said unions did not file unfair labor complaints regarding bargaining efforts. This is part of their tactic. To pressure companies to come to terms with them and stop breaking the law. Attack them whenever they can.”
Activision Blizzard spokesperson Rich George said: [National Labor Relations Act] A new Raven wage initiative cannot be enacted because it requires employers not to allow wage increases while elections are underway. This rule has been law for many years, stating that employers should not allow this type of wage increase. “
In a June labor complaint filed with the NLRB, Activision Blizzard fired 12 QA testers, reorganized the studio to remove a QA department, and withheld benefits, among other things. It alleged that it discriminated once morest and retaliated once morest current and former QA testers for their union activities. and solicit complaints. The NLRB also found that the company asked workers to voice their grievances while waiting for a union vote in May. Other parts of the complaint are still under investigation.
On Monday night, Communications Workers of America filed an amended version of the complaint it originally filed in June, alleging that the company continues to violate labor laws by continuing to reorganize studios without a quality assurance department filed. He added that the company withheld wage increases from Raven workers, and announced that the withholding was due to union activity.
In May, a group of 28 Raven QA testers won a union tender for the studio. The workers, organized as the Game Workers Alliance, told The Washington Post they hope others in the video game industry will follow suit. COO Daniel Allegri tried to interview union bargaining members in Wisconsin. This meeting attempt emerged during the NLRB certification process.
Activision Blizzard spokesperson George told The Washington Post: “Raven QA was offered a non-compulsory opportunity to meet with Activision Blizzard leadership during a field visit, however, because some QA testers had previously requested a discussion with management, this did not specifically address the complaint. . It was never framed as an opportunity to furthermore, the offer was not accepted and no meeting took place. “
In April, non-Raven Activision Blizzard QA testers were offered a $20 hourly wage increase. Raven’s testers did not receive the same offer, and this turns out to be evidence that the NLRB is now withholding profits in retaliation for union activism. According to salary documents the company shares in, he earns regarding $27,000 to $69,000 and is a studious. Lowest paid workers.
Now, Raven Software says: “The company’s anti-union message has been disappointingly effective. I think the biggest win from a pay increase is getting Activision to admit that its actions were illegal,” employees remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
George said the company is looking to defend its position during NLRB legal proceedings and “if necessary” appeals court proceedings.
“We want companies to negotiate in good faith, negotiate fair contracts, and get away with all this cheap and illegal practices,” said Raven, who is a member of a union that helps organize workers. Sarah Stevens said:
Activision Blizzard is awaiting international regulatory approval for a deal that Microsoft will receive for approximately $69 billion. The Xbox and Windows maker said in June that it would respect the right of Activision Blizzard workers to join unions.
