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Unionized Blizzard workers approve contract giving them a say on AI use

Rock Paper Shotgun says unionized Overwatch, Diablo and World of Warcraft developers voted for an agreement that also provides protection against layoffs.

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12 Sources, 21d ago, first seen 21d ago

TLDR

Hundreds of unionized Blizzard workers voted to approve a contract with management, Rock Paper Shotgun reports. The outlet says the agreement gives unionized Overwatch, Diablo and World of Warcraft developers a say in generative AI adoption and protection against layoffs.

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193K

12 Sources, first seen 21d ago

1.2K likes64 comments132 saves150 reposts

Combined views

193K

12 Sources, first seen 21d ago

1.2K likes64 comments132 saves150 reposts

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12 Sources

@IdleSloth84_1,900 Blizzard developers just won a union contract full of protections for AI, layoffs, and more Union Structure: Lots of smaller Blizzard unions are being merged into three bargaining groups: Team 1: World of Warcraft + Blizzard QA + Hearthstone Team 2: Platform/tech, customer support, localization, story/franchise development team Team 3: Diablo + Overwatch The deal lasts 4–5 years depending on the group. Existing Blizzard QA contract rolls into this one. It’s Microsoft’s fourth studio contract (after ZeniMax QA, Raven, and Blizzard QA). Contract: • AI: Tools can support human work, but any AI change that would materially affect union jobs must be bargained first. • Credits: Current and former staff get named credits on games they worked on. • Remote work: Some roles marked hybrid; people can apply to go fully remote. • Layoffs: 60 days’ notice (or pay instead), 1 week severance per 6 months worked, 14 months recall rights. • Successorship: If Blizzard is sold, the contract still applies. Blizzard president Johanna Faries statement: “We appreciate the dedication and engagement of our represented employees and the bargaining committees throughout this process, as well as every Blizzard employee whose work continued alongside it. The ratification of these agreements marks a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment to continuing to work together in support of our teams and our players.” via: Kotaku https://kotaku.com/blizzard-workers-union-contract-microsoft-2000732422
@GIBizAlmost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft https://www.gamesindustry.biz/almost-1900-blizzard-workers-ratify-first-union-contract-with-microsoft
@GameSpotBlizzard Workers Win Historic Union Contract That Could Set A New Standard For Game Developers https://dlvr.it/TVPfFh
@engadgetgamingThe Communications Workers of America represents about 1,900 workers at the game company. https://www.engadget.com/2254332/blizzard-employees-have-ratified-their-first-union-contracts/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox-FP-EngadgetGaming&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1788987125
@InsiderGamingIGBlizzard Workers Secure Company-Wide Union Contract For 1,900 Employees https://insider-gaming.com/blizzard-workers-secure-company-wide-union-employees/
@pcgamerBlizzard must now 'discuss, evaluate, and bargain' its AI usage with its developers https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/blizzard-must-now-discuss-evaluate-and-bargain-its-ai-usage-with-its-developers/
@eurogamerAround 1,900 unionised workers at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to ratify their first contract with the World of Warcraft publisher after years of negotiations. https://bit.ly/3Vmi9gH
@rockpapershotUnionised Blizzard workers vote through contract giving them a say on genAI adoption and protection against layoffs. https://bit.ly/3UJACDM
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    12 Sources

    @IdleSloth84_1,900 Blizzard developers just won a union contract full of protections for AI, layoffs, and more Union Structure: Lots of smaller Blizzard unions are being merged into three bargaining groups: Team 1: World of Warcraft + Blizzard QA + Hearthstone Team 2: Platform/tech, customer support, localization, story/franchise development team Team 3: Diablo + Overwatch The deal lasts 4–5 years depending on the group. Existing Blizzard QA contract rolls into this one. It’s Microsoft’s fourth studio contract (after ZeniMax QA, Raven, and Blizzard QA). Contract: • AI: Tools can support human work, but any AI change that would materially affect union jobs must be bargained first. • Credits: Current and former staff get named credits on games they worked on. • Remote work: Some roles marked hybrid; people can apply to go fully remote. • Layoffs: 60 days’ notice (or pay instead), 1 week severance per 6 months worked, 14 months recall rights. • Successorship: If Blizzard is sold, the contract still applies. Blizzard president Johanna Faries statement: “We appreciate the dedication and engagement of our represented employees and the bargaining committees throughout this process, as well as every Blizzard employee whose work continued alongside it. The ratification of these agreements marks a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment to continuing to work together in support of our teams and our players.” via: Kotaku https://kotaku.com/blizzard-workers-union-contract-microsoft-2000732422
    @GIBizAlmost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft https://www.gamesindustry.biz/almost-1900-blizzard-workers-ratify-first-union-contract-with-microsoft
    @GameSpotBlizzard Workers Win Historic Union Contract That Could Set A New Standard For Game Developers https://dlvr.it/TVPfFh
    @engadgetgamingThe Communications Workers of America represents about 1,900 workers at the game company. https://www.engadget.com/2254332/blizzard-employees-have-ratified-their-first-union-contracts/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox-FP-EngadgetGaming&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1788987125
    @InsiderGamingIGBlizzard Workers Secure Company-Wide Union Contract For 1,900 Employees https://insider-gaming.com/blizzard-workers-secure-company-wide-union-employees/
    @pcgamerBlizzard must now 'discuss, evaluate, and bargain' its AI usage with its developers https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/blizzard-must-now-discuss-evaluate-and-bargain-its-ai-usage-with-its-developers/
    @eurogamerAround 1,900 unionised workers at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to ratify their first contract with the World of Warcraft publisher after years of negotiations. https://bit.ly/3Vmi9gH
    @rockpapershotUnionised Blizzard workers vote through contract giving them a say on genAI adoption and protection against layoffs. https://bit.ly/3UJACDM
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