'Groundbreaking' | Ahead of buying Activision Blizzard, Microsoft vows to let game maker's staff unionize

Microsoft has vowed not to stand in the way if staff at video game firm Activision Blizzard – which is currently being acquired by Microsoft for around $70million – want to unionize.

The company has announced a “ground-breaking labor neutrality agreement” with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which will apply at Activision Blizzard beginning 60 days after Microsoft’s acquisition closes.

The union said the deal reflects a “fundamental belief by both organizations that enabling workers to freely and fairly make a choice about union representation will benefit Microsoft and its employees, and create opportunities for innovation in the gaming sector.”

In layman's terms, the deal means Microsoft will remain neutral if any of Activision’s eligible U.S. employees want to unionize, and employees will no longer have to petition the National Labor Relations Board for an election.