In a recent development, workers at Xbox have urged Microsoft to commit to unionization, especially after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The call comes as a part of the larger movement for workers’ rights within the tech and gaming industries. While Microsoft has made some strides by promising to remain neutral in unionization attempts, workers believe that more needs to be done.
The Current Scenario
- Microsoft has been in the process of acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.
- The tech giant has promised to remain neutral during any unionization attempts.
- Quality Assurance (QA) employees at ZeniMax Media, a subsidiary, have successfully unionized, marking a significant step in the gaming industry.
The Need for More
According to an anonymous Xbox QA employee, Microsoft’s neutrality is a good start but not enough. The employee stated, “Xbox is proudly claiming neutrality, and I’m by extension proud of that. But it isn’t difficult to be groundbreaking when the dirt is shallow and there’s a shovel laying at your feet.”
Issues at Stake
- Pay disparity between executives and developers.
- Rising costs of game development.
- Lack of unionization in other teams like 343 Industries under Xbox Game Studios.
Industry-Wide Movement
The call for unionization is not limited to Microsoft. Workers at Sega have also unionized, and organizations like the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have gone on strike demanding better pay and protections.
Microsoft’s Opportunity
Brock Davis, a test analyst at Blizzard Albany, believes that Microsoft’s example could inspire more companies to follow suit. He said, “The more people who are in solidarity with you, the better off you will be.”
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft’s neutrality is a step in the right direction but not enough.
- Workers are looking for a commitment to unionization, especially after the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
- The call for unionization is part of a larger industry-wide movement for better workers’ rights.
Conclusion: The Ball is in Microsoft’s Court
- Commit to Unionization: Workers urge Microsoft to go beyond neutrality and actively support unionization.
- Address Pay Disparity: An urgent need to address the pay gap between executives and developers.
- Be a Role Model: Microsoft has the opportunity to set an example for the entire industry.
The workers believe that if Microsoft truly wants to be groundbreaking, it must commit to these changes. The time for neutrality is over; the time for action is now.
