Two major unions have urged the European Commission (EC) to approve the proposal Microsoft Activision merger on the eve of a scheduled hearing on the matter. A week ago, Microsoft confirmed it had requested a final hearing to save the controversial deal.
Unions want regulators to consider impact of Microsoft Activision merger on employees
Communications Workers of America (CWA) wrote a letter to the EC, arguing that the agreement will have a positive impact on the labor market. CWA initially raised concerns about the power Microsoft would have in the labor market, but was later able to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the company if the acquisition went through.
Separately, Europe-based UNI Global Union urged the EC to look beyond the impact the deal will have on consumers and also consider employees. UNI says Microsoft will have a positive impact on a labor market plagued by poor working conditions.
Regulators have so far paid little attention to the labor market, which is understandable because their job is to monitor market competition and the impact on consumers rather than Activision Blizzard employees.
Critics also pointed to poor optics given that Microsoft recently laid off 10,000 workers, including Xbox employees.