Call of Duty QA Staff Secure First Union Contract at Microsoft

Quality assurance personnel at Raven Software, a developer for Call of Duty, have officially ratified their inaugural union contract with Microsoft, three years after unionizing.

The union highlighted several key benefits in a press release, including a guaranteed 10% wage increase over two years, merit-based raises, promotion opportunities, reduced mandatory overtime, job security provisions, improved disability accommodations, and other enhancements.

"After more than three years of organizing and negotiating, achieving this result is truly gratifying," stated bargaining committee member and QA tester Erin Hall. "From the outset, we prioritized inclusivity, resulting in a contract that delivers higher pay, clearer career progression, and safeguards against burnout. This agreement genuinely appreciates the contributions of QA. I take pride in our achievement and hope it inspires other game industry professionals to recognize the power and value of collective action."

The journey to this point has been lengthy for Raven Software's QA union. Unionization efforts began following layoffs in December 2021 during a studio restructuring by former parent company Activision Blizzard. Employees staged a walkout the next day, gaining solidarity from colleagues across Activision Blizzard. The strike continued for weeks until the company responded in January, shortly before Microsoft's acquisition. By month's end, Raven QA staff had established Activision Blizzard's first union. Though Activision Blizzard did not voluntarily recognize the union, the group secured victory in its union election the following May.

Since then, multiple teams under Microsoft Xbox have unionized, both within Activision Blizzard and at subsidiaries like ZeniMax. In May, ZeniMax Media QA workers finalized their contract, while numerous other groups continue negotiations.