Raven Software QA staff allowed to proceed with union vote

The National Labor Relations Board in the US has decided to authorize it Raven Software Quality assurance workers to vote on union formation.

As reported by Polygon, the NLRB decided on Friday (April 22) that the 21-strong team can vote on whether or not to form a union. Parent company of Raven Software Activision Blizzard tried to challenge QA workers’ attempt to unionize earlier in the year and wanted all 230 Raven Software employees to vote.

According to the NLRB, Raven Software’s QA staff ballots will be mailed out on April 29, with all ballots being counted almost a month later on May 23. If a majority of eligible workers vote yes, the union will enter contract negotiations with Activision Blizzard.

An Activision Blizzard spokesperson issued a statement to Polygon, saying, “While we respect the NLRB process, we are disappointed that a decision that could materially impact the future of our entire studio was received by less than 10% of our employee is met. We believe that a direct relationship with team members is the best way to achieve individual and organizational goals. We are examining legal options with a view to a possible appeal.”

On Twitter, the union called Game Workers Alliance thanked those who have supported them so far. “We are so proud to announce that the NLRB has ruled that our unit is electable!” reads the tweet. “Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign from our first strike to this moment! Time for democracy!”

Late last year, a number of Activision Blizzard employees left in solidarity with Raven Software employees following a series of layoffs at the studio. As a result, Raven Software QA staff earlier this year announced their intention to unionize what, if successful, will be the first union at a major video game studio in the United States.