Strike Authorization Granted by CWA Activision Members

Last week, quality assurance (QA) testers at Activision Publishing-represented by CWA Locals 6215, 7250, and 9400-voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike following recent delays at the bargaining table. This vote gives CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. the authority to call for a strike if negotiations continue to stall. Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA (AQAU-CWA) and Activision have been negotiating a first contract for over two years.

On October 14, workers held an action outside the Activision Publishing building in Bloomington, Minn. The breakdown in negotiations caused by the company's delays comes at a critical time in the production and release cycle of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, one of Activision's most profitable franchises.

"Bargaining has been a long, exhausting process spanning over two years, with our committee making responsible moves while the company continues to stall on critical issues like wages, accommodations, and worker protections," said AQAU-CWA bargaining committee member and QA Functional Tester Emily Danko. "Despite our efforts to bargain in good faith, meaningful progress has been difficult, leaving key issues unresolved. Our members remain united and continue to mobilize. We are exploring every option available to secure the fair contract we deserve."

CWA represents nearly 2,500 workers at Activision-Blizzard. Based on the call of President Cummings, workers may be on strike as early as October 22.

Click here to read the full AQAU-CWA press release.