CWA Responds to Proposed Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

PRESS RELEASE

(Washington, D.C) — Statement from CWA President Christopher M. Shelton

“The proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would represent a major change to the gaming industry and significantly strengthen Microsoft’s competitive position at a critical time in the industry’s evolution.”

“Before any approval of this proposed deal, the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and states Attorneys General must all carefully consider the impacts on consumers and American workers, especially Activision Blizzard employees who have been trying to improve working conditions and raising up troubling issues regarding company culture of sexist and discriminatory cultural practices, pay inequity, workplace harassment, and abuse."

“Activision Blizzard’s response to its employees’ concerns has been repeated surveillance, intimidation tactics, and the hiring of notorious union busters. Activision Blizzard worker concerns must be addressed in any plan – acquisition or not – on the future direction of the company.”

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The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is an initiative by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) supporting workers’ organizing efforts in the technology and game industries.

About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

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