Game Workers Alliance files union petition with NLRB

The Game Worker Alliance, a new workers union of quality assurance workers at Activision Blizzard's Raven Software studio formed with support from the Communication Workers of America, has officially filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to be officially recognized as a union by the government. The filing will now kick off a democratic union election within Raven Software's workforce. If they successfully authorize a union, they will be the first worker's union at ABK.

The organization said on Twitter: "Today, Game Workers Alliance has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board. We look forward to a democratic process and compliance from leadership."

The petition was filed the day after ABK chose not to recognize the GWA as a union, missing Tuesday's 6 PM ET deadline for acknowledging the union. Had ABK voluntarily recognized the union, the GWA would not have had to go through the NLRB's full union election process for the QA employees union to be acknowledged. In response to ABK's refusal to support the union effort, the GWA said ABK chose "to take the low road" but that they were undeterred and "proud to file with the NLRB."

The unionization effort at Raven Software began following the QA team going on strike in late 2021 after 12 members of that team were not offered contract renewal. The team ended that strike last week, pending the recognition of their newly formed union. It is unclear if they intend to go back on strike now that ABK refused to recognize them, or if they will continue to work through the upcoming NLRB union election.