"We are not going away:" Activision QA workers vote to authorise strike after two years of contract negotiations

Unionised quality assurance workers at Activision Blizzard have voted to authorise strike action before Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches into early access October 16, 2026. A worldwide launch is planned on October 23.

Testers represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals 7250, 6215, and 9400 voted overwhelmingly in favour of the move, which grants CWA president Claude Cummings Jr the authority to call a strike. 

The union, organised under the Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA (AQAU-CWA) banner, has been negotiating its first contract with Microsoft subsidiary Activision for over two years. Those conversations have begun to stall, resulting in AQAU-CWA looking for another lever to pull in the form of potential strike action. 

Now, the union will be able to call a strike if required with backing from the CWA. 

Speaking to Vertical Slice over email, AQAU-CWA bargaining committee member Emily Danko said the union is demanding that Activision engages in "meaningful, good-faith bargaining" and works with QA workers towards ratifying a fair contract that reflects their value. 

"After nearly two years of bargaining, repeated delays, and a refusal to meaningfully address key issues, we believe collective action is necessary to hold the company accountable and move negotiations forward," said Danko.

"[...] Any decisions about extending a strike or taking further action will be made collectively and democratically, but our solidarity and commitment to securing a fair contract remain firm."

When asked whether AQAU-CWA is being treated fairly within Activision, Danko said repeated delays have left the union questioning whether the U.S. company is genuinely committed to reaching a fair agreement. Union bargaining committee members are attempting to secure wage increases, generative AI protections, and the right for workers to seek accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"We do not feel that AQAU-CWA has been treated with the seriousness and respect that good-faith bargaining requires," she added. "We have spent nearly two years showing up, negotiating in good faith, and giving the company every opportunity to reach a fair agreement. We are not going away, we are not giving up on one another, and we expect leadership to stop delaying and start taking our concerns seriously. We are ready to stand together for as long as it takes to secure the contract our workers deserve"

Danke said AQAU-CWA is continuing to build participation and explained non-union members can show their support by standing in solitary with union members and respecting the picket line should they eventually go on strike. "Our fight is about fair treatment and a better workplace for everyone, and visible support from our colleagues and fans of our games make a huge difference," she added.

The CWA currently represents almost 2,500 workers across Activision Blizzard, and has also supported staff at other Xbox studios with their organisation efforts. Since completing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, Microsoft has subjected Xbox workers to five rounds of mass layoffs in three years. The latest debilitating cuts are still ongoing.

In a statement sent to Vertical Slice, Activision said it has been working in good faith with the CWA and AQAU-CWA:

"Activision has been working in good faith with the CWA for the Central QA team and we have made meaningful progress on a number of issues. Our goal is a fair first contract that supports our QA team members and the long-term success of the business. We remain committed to open dialogue with the union and have offered to meet again on October 21 and 22," said a company rep.

"We respect our employees' right to engage in protected activity, including the right to strike. We have plans in place to ensure there is no disruption to players or upcoming game releases."