Two major unions have urged the European Commission (EC) to approve the proposed Microsoft Activision merger on the eve of a scheduled hearing on the matter. A week ago, Microsoft confirmed it has requested a hearing as a last-ditch effort to save the controversial deal.
Unions want regulators to consider the impact of Microsoft Activision merger on employees
Communication Workers of America (CWA) penned a letter to the EC arguing that the deal will have a positive impact on the labor market. CWA initially voiced concerns about the power Microsoft will have on the labor market but later managed to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the company should the acquisition go ahead.
Separately, Europe-based UNI Global Union urged EC to look beyond the impact the deal will have on consumers and consider employees as well. UNI claims that Microsoft will have a positive impact on a labor market rife with poor working conditions.
Regulators have shown little concern over the labor market thus far, understandably because their job is to look at market competition and impact on consumers rather than Activision Blizzard employees.
Critics also pointed out the poor optics considering Microsoft recently laid off 10,000 workers including Xbox employees.
