Blizzard QA Workers in Albany and Austin Ratify First Union Contract With Microsoft

Overview

• A majority of quality assurance employees at Blizzard's Albany and Austin studios, represented by CWA Locals 1118 and 6215, voted to ratify the agreement covering more than 60 workers.
• The contract establishes a minimum wage of $25.50 per hour for current union members and guarantees pay increases over the term.
• Provisions include rules on generative AI, a standardized crediting process, disability accommodations, protections for immigrant workers, and limits on mandatory overtime to curb crunch.
• Layoff protections include recall rights that union members say will improve career stability and make QA a more sustainable path.
• The pact runs three years after bargaining that began in May 2023, and it becomes Microsoft's third union contract following deals with ZeniMax and Raven Software.