Nearly two thousand Blizzard devs secure a union contract that includes AI

It’s a momentous day for the developers of Blizzard’s games, as 1,900 unionized members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have secured a new contract that is being lauded as a new industry standard.

The contract secures a multitude of benefits including wage increases, a three-day hybrid work week, remote working and disability accommodations, and perhaps most importantly considering Microsoft’s recent actions, the ability for laid off workers to be recalled into open positions across any Blizzard bargaining unit within 14 months of their firing. Finally of major note is the requirement that Microsoft discuss, evaluate, and bargain over the usage of artificial intelligence in development.

“It’s a new day at Blizzard, where greater power for workers is translating into more innovative games for players,” CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. is quoted as saying. “I am so proud of CWA bargaining teams, taking on tough fights and winning strong contracts that set new standards for working people across our industries.”

source: Game Developer