Microsoft's Progressive Stance Paves Way for Unionized Gaming Workforce

Microsoft Corporation MSFT shares are trading lower today. The acquired video game giant Activision Blizzard’s World of Warcraft employees have reportedly voted to unionize, adding around 500 workers to organized labor’s presence at Microsoft.

An arbitrator confirmed that the majority of World of Warcraft employees support the Communications Workers of America union, Bloomberg reports.

This new bargaining unit, comprising artists, designers, engineers, producers, and QA testers, may encourage further organizing within the company.

Their successful organizing effort, supported by Microsoft’s union-friendly stance, boosts the number of unionized U.S. gaming employees at Microsoft to about 1,750.

Read: Here’s Why Activision Blizzard Workers Are Planning A July 28 Walkout

Organizers aim to address issues such as pay, remote work, and workplace diversity and equity through their union efforts.

Kathryn Friesen, a Warcraft designer and member of the union’s organizing committee commented, “It’s exciting to potentially raise the standards of the entire industry as siblings in organizing,” 

Read: Can Blizzard Keep Its Autonomy Post-Microsoft Acquisition? ‘No One Asking Us To Do Anything,’ Says World Of Warcraft Exec

Instead of opposing unionization, Microsoft maintained its neutral stance, agreeing to recognize and negotiate with the group upon securing majority support, as stated by the CWA.

A spokesperson for Microsoft told Bloomberg in an emailed statement, “We continue to support our employees’ right to choose how they are represented in the workplace, and we will engage in good faith negotiations with the CWA as we work towards a collective bargaining agreement.”

In May 2024, A jury ruled in favor of tech incubator Acceleration Bay in a patent infringement case against Activision Blizzard, ordering the gaming giant to pay $23.4 million.

According to Benzinga Pro, MSFT stock has gained over 20% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long Microsoft Daily Target ETF MSFX and SPDR Select Sector Fund – Technology XLK.

Price Action: MSFT shares are down 1.39% at $423.61 at the last check on Thursday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Image Credits – Shutterstock