Blizzard workers have won new protections covering AI, layoffs and working conditions.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard employees have voted to approve their first union contracts after about two years of negotiations. The deal covers workers from teams behind games such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Hearthstone and Warcraft Rumble, as well as quality assurance and other departments.
Blizzard workers can now negotiate over AI
One of the biggest changes is about artificial intelligence.
Blizzard can still use AI. The new contract does not ban it, and workers do not have to approve every use of the technology.
What it does mean is that Blizzard now has to discuss and negotiate AI use with its unionized workers. So if the company wants to introduce or change the way AI is used at work, employees have a seat at the table.
That could become more important as AI tools become more common in game development.
More protection when jobs are cut
The new contract also gives workers more protection if they lose their jobs.
Employees who are laid off can get another chance to work at Blizzard if a suitable position becomes available. They can use this recall right for up to 14 months after the layoff is announced.
They will also receive four extra weeks of severance pay, regardless of how long they have worked at Blizzard.
This is especially relevant after Microsoft announced plans in July to cut around 3,200 jobs across its gaming division. Hundreds of union members were among those affected.
Other changes
The contracts also include wage increases, a way for workers to formally raise workplace complaints, and protections for remote work and disability accommodations.
Workers will also have a three-day in-office hybrid workweek.
So this is about more than just AI. Blizzard workers now have stronger protections if their jobs are affected, while AI use has become something the company must discuss with its unionized employees.
Source: Communications Workers of America (CWA)
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