Activision user research workers are unionizing ‘to create an industry that works for them’

A supermajority of user research workers at Activision have voted to unionize below the Communications Workers of America (CWA) banner.

The CWA confirmed the information in a press launch and defined these workers will develop into members of CWA Native 9400. Microsoft has acknowledged the union, which has named itself Activision User Research Union-CWA.

Activision User Research Union-CWA is hoping to safe greater wages, job safety and protections amid rampant layoffs, and transparency round promotions and profession development.

It has develop into the primary union fashioned by online game user researchers—however joins numerous others that have emerged at Microsoft after the corporate signed a labor neutrality settlement with the CWA.

“We are excited to affix our fellow recreation makers throughout the online game industry to indicate what’s attainable when workers can freely construct solidarity within the office,” mentioned organizing committee member and quantitative user researcher Nicolaas VanMeerten. “Many people had been mobilized to do one thing in regards to the layoffs in 2023 and 2024, and now we are able to look out for one another with a union.”

CWA Native 9400 president Maurice Washington mentioned it is important that workers within the recreation industry have a “protected voice” to make sure they’ll struggle for their justifiable share.

Associated:‘We have to outline what it means to be secure as [players] around the globe:’ a code of ethics in gaming

“We are proud to welcome these workers to CWA and are trying ahead to assembly Microsoft on the bargaining desk to safe a good union contract,” they added.

The information caps a exceptional few days for unionizing workers within the recreation industry. United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA) broke cowl at GDC 2025 final week to struggle for “dignity and respect.”

The union attracted 100 new members inside hours of launching and has now welcomed over 350 due-paying members into its ranks.

As a direct-join union, UVW-CWA is open to contractors, freelancers, and builders instantly impacted by layoffs. It is a setup the union hopes will allow industry-wide reform by uniting swathes of builders throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Industry bosses have proven time and time once more that they may select the siren name of revenue over uplifting workers or doing what’s proper,” mentioned UVW-CWA final week. “Now could be the time to face together with your friends, and struggle for the dignity and respect you deserve.”