Nearly 600 quality assurance testers at Activision, many working in its Minnesota office, formed a union back in March 2024. Over two years later, the group, which includes testers getting Modern Warfare 4 ready for its big launch on October 16, has yet to secure its first collective bargaining contract. The Activision developers accuse the Microsoft-owned publisher of failing to live up to the “positive labor management relationship” touted under a now-expired neutrality agreement from back when the union was first formed. They’ve now voted to authorize a strike if things don’t change.

“Bargaining has been a long, exhausting process spanning over two years, with our committee making responsible moves while the company continues to stall on critical issues like wages, accommodations, and worker protections,” AQAU-CWA bargaining committee member and QA functional tester Emily Danko said in a press release. “Despite our efforts to bargain in good faith, meaningful progress has been difficult, leaving key issues unresolved. Our members remain united and continue to mobilize, but we are exploring every option available to secure the fair contract we deserve.”

The Activision developers have accused the Call of Duty publisher of failing to “bargain in good faith” over things like wage increases, guardrails for AI, and how the company uses contractors. A vote to authorize a strike doesn’t mean one will happen, but it does mean the union, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has passed the final hurdle before being able to declare a strike at any time.

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