In January 2022, quality assurance workers at Middleton-based Raven Software began the process of forming a union. Raven Software creates video games under Activision Blizzard, including the Call of Duty franchise. Raven’s parent company, Activision Blizzard, has faced scrutiny for workplace discrimination and sexual harassment.
At Raven, 12 unexpected layoffs in early December prompted a staff walkout that set the foundation for union organizing. In late January, the Game Workers Alliance filed a petition asking for a union election, and in mid-April ballots were mailed out. Despite active anti-union campaigns by both Activision Blizzard and Raven management, the vote was 19-3 in favor of unionization, with the Game Workers Alliance choosing to affiliate with the Communication Workers of America.
In an interview with the Washington Post, current Raven Quality Assurance Tester Becka Aigner said:
“I will argue that everybody should want a union in their workplace.”
Aigner was among those who participated in the walk-outs.
“It’s just workplace democracy. Even if you like your work, you should want to have a say in the decisions that are made that affect your lives.”