The Communications Workers of America (CWA) criticized Microsoft for laying off hundreds of video game workers in what was called an “extremely disappointing” move.
“Microsoft's decision to lay off 650 video game employees is an extremely disappointing move by one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world,” reads a statement from the CWA.
“This news comes on the heels of Sony Interactive Entertainment subsidiary Bungie announcing 220 layoffs in late July. While none of those losing their jobs are represented by CWA, we understand how devastating the layoffs are for workers and their families.”
Microsoft said the layoffs were made to ensure sustainable growth following its colossal merger with Activision Blizzard.
In particular, the CWA was a vocal supporter of that agreement. The union openly asked regulators to support the move after initially appearing skeptical. That change of heart came after the organization has entered into a labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft, which finally paved the way for employees of big studios like Bethesda AND Blizzard Entertainment to unionize.
In response to the latest round of layoffs at Microsoft (The Xbox maker had already cut 1,900 jobs in January), a union member called the decision “heartless.”
“Every worker deserves a voice in their workplace and a say in the impact of job cuts. While we hope that a company like Microsoft, with $88 billion in profits last year, can achieve 'long-term success' without destroying the livelihoods of 650 of our colleagues, heartless layoffs like these have become all too common,” said Samuel Cooper, senior producer at World of Warcraft and member of WoWGG-CWA.
“We stand in solidarity with everyone who lost their jobs today and call on all workers in the video game industry to join us and form unions so we can protect each other.”
The CWA said it was committed to supporting Microsoft workers in their efforts to organize and improve their workplaces, but noted that “union representation does not always protect against layoffs.” It can, however, give workers more power to make decisions.
“Collective bargaining gives workers a voice in policies that affect them, including how layoffs are handled,” the CWA added.
“The insensitive suggestion by former Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Chris Deering earlier this week that laid-off video game workers should 'go to the beach for a year' demonstrates how insulated many executives are from the impact of their decisions on their employees. Amid the constant threat of layoffs in the tech and gaming industries, organizational momentum continues to grow.”
Since completing its merger with Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has laid off more than 2,500 employees, renowned studios closed like Arkane Austin and Alpha Dog Games, and sold Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks to Krafton after initially attempting to set the Japanese developer on fire.