Following two years of discussions regarding their contracts with the parent company, Microsoft, ZeniMax Workers United members have expressed their strong support for a potential strike, as indicated in a union announcement made earlier today. The Communications Workers of America distributed this news via a press release, stating, “We aren’t hesitant to leverage our union strength to guarantee we can continue creating exceptional games. We all want to keep working. Our hope is that Microsoft will grant us the opportunity to do so honorably and equitably by finalizing our first contract with the union.
According to The Verge’s latest report, the union known as ZeniMax Workers United has been in negotiations with Microsoft for over two years. Since its formation in 2023, the union has advocated for improved wages, workplace conditions, and addressing concerns like insufficient remote work opportunities and the replacement of in-house quality assurance work with external labor without prior notice to the union. In November last year, union members staged a one-day walkout to draw attention to the lack of progress during negotiations. The recent vote by union members does not automatically mean a strike is imminent, but it does empower the union to call for one if further talks between the two parties fail to reach an agreement.
Although being one of the world’s biggest corporations, it seems that we’ve consistently had to advocate for what should be the basic standard. It’s only fair that a multitrillion-dollar company like Microsoft ensures its employees are paid a wage that allows for a comfortable living; however, during negotiations, they appear reluctant as if our demands are excessive, stated Aubrey Litchfield, a member of ZeniMax Workers United and an associate QA tester, in the press release. Our internal contractors have been earning meager wages with no benefits, including no paid sick leave. Employees are opting not to start families due to financial unpredictability. Despite producing numerous titles while working remotely, when will things improve enough?
Made up of over 300 quality assurance employees spread across Bethesda and ZeniMax studios, ZeniMax Workers United is one of Microsoft’s largest unions. These union members contribute significantly to various popular Microsoft game series such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Doom. With the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages less than a month away, a potential strike could have substantial impacts on Microsoft.
Currently, members of SAG-AFTRA in the video game sector are persisting with their strike due to escalating worries about artificial intelligence. At present, there’s no definitive timeline for when this strike (which commenced on July 26, 2024) will conclude. In the meantime, any studio aiming to hire SAG-AFTRA talent must agree to either the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement, or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement before proceeding with production. These agreements provide essential protections regarding AI technology.
Read More
- Unleash Your Heroes’ True Potential: Best Stadium Builds for Every Overwatch 2 Hero
- Lucky Offense Tier List & Reroll Guide
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Spellsword Build
- Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Mage Build
- Best Crosshair Codes for Fragpunk
- SWORN Tier List – Best Weapons & Spells
- Unlock All Avinoleum Treasure Spots in Wuthering Waves!
- Why Yellowstone and Virgin River Fans Can’t Miss Netflix’s Ransom Canyon This Week!
- Indonesian Horror Smash ‘Pabrik Gula’ Haunts Local Box Office With $7 Million Haul Ahead of U.S. Release
2025-04-01 23:09