Activision QA Union Votes to Authorize Strike Ahead of Modern Warfare 4 Launch

In March 2024, about 600 quality‑assurance testers at Activision’s Minnesota office formed a union under the Communications Workers of America. Two years later, the group still lacks a collective‑bargaining contract while preparing the company’s flagship title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, for an October 16 launch. In a vote held on October 15, the union authorized a strike if negotiations fail to resolve key issues.

Negotiations stall, union votes to strike

Union members cite stalled talks over wages, accommodations for disabilities, guardrails on artificial‑intelligence tools, and the company’s use of contractors. They say Activision has refused remote‑work requests since the return‑to‑office policy began, and that layoffs have cut the team by nearly a third. The union compares the situation unfavourably with Blizzard, whose staff secured a contract that includes remote work and AI protections, and says Activision’s response has been to “stonewall” and delay.

A strike could disrupt the testing and post‑launch support that is critical for Modern Warfare 4’s holiday sales window, potentially leaving players with bugs and server problems. The union has pledged to keep working until the company meets in good faith, but says it is prepared to halt operations if negotiations continue to stall.