Raven Software Workers' Union Files Grievance Against Studio and Parent Companies

Organized laborers at Raven Software, based in Wisconsin, have lodged a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against their employer and its parent entities, Activision and Microsoft, citing an alleged unwillingness to participate in bargaining discussions. The complaint, filed last Friday, asserts that the companies are guilty of 'Refusal to Bargain/Bad Faith Bargaining', among other grievances, including 'Changes in Terms and Conditions of Employment' and 'Concerted Activities (Retaliation, Discharge, Discipline)'. This development follows the workers' unionization under the Communications Workers of America in 2022. According to CWA president Claude Cummings Jr., 'Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, our members were hopeful that a first contract at Raven Software would be swiftly negotiated. Unfortunately, progress has been lacking.' A Microsoft spokesperson responded by stating, 'We are dedicated to negotiating in good faith.' The situation marks a significant point in the games industry's labor landscape, particularly since Raven became the first major games industry union in 2022, with Microsoft having entered a labor neutrality agreement with the CWA that same year.