The Communications Workers of America union (CWA) has expressed strong disappointment over Microsoft’s decision to lay off an additional 650 video game workers. The union criticized the tech giant, emphasizing that as one of the world’s largest and most profitable corporations, Microsoft could have achieved its goals for long-term success without destroying these livelihoods.
In their statement, the CWA acknowledged that organizing does not always prevent layoffs. However, they highlighted that collective bargaining provides workers a voice in policies affecting them, including handling layoffs. The union also condemned former Sony boss Chris Deering’s suggestion that layoffs are not due to corporate greed and that those affected should consider alternative jobs like driving an Uber.
Call for Solidarity
Samuel Cooper, senior producer at World of Warcraft and member of WoWGG-CWA, emphasized the need for worker solidarity. He stated, “While we would hope that a company like Microsoft, with $88 billion in profits last year, could achieve ‘long term success’ without destroying the livelihoods of 650 of our colleagues, heartless layoffs like these have become all too common. We stand in solidarity with everyone who lost their job and encourage all video game workers to join us and form unions so we can protect each other.”
Impact of Recent Layoffs
Microsoft laid off 650 Xbox staff recently, though no games have been canceled or studios closed. CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, communicated the cuts through an internal memo, stating that they were necessary to organize the business for long-term success. This follows the 1900 employees who lost their jobs in January, bringing the total to 2,550 staff laid off in the past year.
2024 has seen almost 13,000 developers and publishers lose their jobs, with one quarter still to go. The video game industry continues to face significant challenges, and collective action may be a crucial step toward securing better job security for workers.
