Raven Software's quality assurance team has achieved a significant milestone by ratifying their first union contract with Microsoft after a three-year struggle for better working conditions. The new contract includes a guaranteed 10% wage increase over two years, additional merit-based raises, restrictions on mandatory overtime, layoff protections, and enhanced disability accommodations. QA tester and bargaining committee member Erin Hall expressed pride in the accomplishments, emphasizing that the contract reflects valuable improvements for QA workers and serves as a message to other game workers about the efficacy of organizing.

nWhat are the benefits of the new union contract for Raven Software QA workers?

The new union contract for Raven Software QA workers offers several benefits, including a 10% wage increase over two years, restrictions on mandatory overtime, layoff protections, and improved disability accommodations. These changes aim to enhance the overall working environment and adequately compensate the quality assurance staff for their vital contributions to game development.

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The unionization effort at Raven Software stemmed from employee protests following layoffs in December 2021, which highlighted concerns over job security and workload issues. This movement was supported by workers across Activision Blizzard, leading to the successful formation of the first union in the company's history. The ongoing push for better labor conditions within the gaming industry has inspired similar initiatives among other Microsoft subsidiaries, indicating a growing trend toward improved workplace rights in the gaming sector.