Little by little, we learn more about the acquisition of Activison by Microsoft, in this case, Communication Workers of America (CWA), the largest union of communicators and media in the United States, presented a letter to the Federal Trade Commission giving their support and motivation for the financial movement to be approved.
The Federal Trade Commission must analyze the case and give an official response regarding the movement of more than $60 billion. In this case, the support of such a large union could play a role in favor of Microsoft. This communication is accompanied by an agreement with Microsoft to guarantee certain union and labor rights to employees if the purchase is made.
We support approving the transaction before you because Microsoft has reached an agreement with CWA to ensure Activision Blizzard workers have a clear path to collective bargaining. Microsoft’s binding commitments will guarantee employees a place at the table and ensure that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard benefit company workers and the video game labor market in general.
Activision-Blizzard to be acquired by Microsoft
It’s hard to predict what will happen with this company, the corrupt working environment cannot be dismantled overnight, and Xbox hasn’t seriously commented on its intention to do so. Beyond that, it’s important to keep in mind that a move of this magnitude requires some changes, and Activision-Blizzard’s current CEO Bobby Kotick would be risking his position.
It only remains to wait for the resolution of the CFC, giving its approval, Action-Blizzard would be part of the Xbox division, where it would include the video game ecosystem with Bethesda and many other companies attached to Xbox. Finally, it remains to be seen whether the labor neutrality agreement between Microsoft and the CWA will benefit employees in the future.
