Union workers at Call of Duty developer Raven Software file lawsuit against Activision and Microsoft over ‘bad faith in negotiations’

Employees of Call of Duty studio Raven Software, which formed Activision Blizzard’s first union in 2022, have filed a grievance against the developer, Activision, and its new parent company Microsoft.

According to Game File, the employees filed a complaint with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board under the categories of refusal to bargain/bad faith negotiation, alteration of terms and conditions of employment, and concerted activities (retaliation, termination, disciplinary action).

“Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, our members were optimistic that they would quickly secure their first contract with Raven Software,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of Communications Workers of America (CWA). “Unfortunately, that did not happen. We encourage Microsoft to address the concerns raised in the unfair labor practices complaint and make reaching a fair agreement a priority.”

The CWA declined to comment on the details of the allegations when contacted by Game File, but a Microsoft spokesperson said, “We are committed to negotiating in good faith.”

The CWA, under which Raven Software workers formed their union, initially voiced support for Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. “It’s a new day for employees at Activision Blizzard,” it said when the acquisition was completed.

However, the situation appears to have deteriorated, although it may take some time before the National Labor Relations Board makes a ruling.

Every video game franchise that Xbox owns after its acquisition of Activision Blizzard