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Why it matters: The rise of video game unions signals a shift as industry workers push for better conditions in response to long hours and job instability. Unions like ZeniMax Workers United now challenge major companies on issues like remote work and outsourcing, highlighting the growing demand for fair treatment in the gaming industry.
Hundreds of Bethesda employees in Texas and Maryland walked off their jobs Wednesday morning to protest Microsoft’s unwillingness to budge at the bargaining table. ZeniMax Workers United, one of the largest video game unions in the US, confirmed on X that workers are officially on strike.
Formed and recognized in January 2023 by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), ZeniMax Worker United consists of about 300 quality assurance workers who have worked on games in the Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and Doom franchises. At the time, it was the largest union in the industry until Activision Quality Assurance United came along with 600 members a few months later.
Negotiation details have been primarily private, but ZeniMax confirmed that Microsoft came to the bargaining table. Microsoft also confirmed the talks.
“We respect our employees’ rights to express their point of view as they have done today,” Microsoft spokesperson Becca Dougherty told Inverse via email. “We will continue to listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table.”
Despite the company’s insistence that it is willing to negotiate, ZeniMax says the parent company has not answered any of the union’s requests. Employees claim Microsoft is stonewalling them on remote work and outsourcing.
We deserve job security and improved working conditions.
Hundreds of our members are striking from 10-6PM in Maryland and Texas today to tell Microsoft to stop dragging their feet.
– ZeniMax Workers United – CWA (@ZeniMaxWorkers) November 13, 2024
“They have continually given us their first proposal again and again, and it’s become obvious that our different mobilization tactics have not worked,” said union member Rhyanna Eichner, ZeniMax’s quality assurance test lead.
The union’s specific grievances are that Microsoft’s mandate requiring workers to spend at least two days at the office is not flexible enough. The Redmond giant has allegedly denied remote work requests, even when a doctor has recommended it. Eichner said the union has submitted an alternative remote work proposal but says Microsoft has not budged on its policy.
The other core issue is that Microsoft has allegedly started outsourcing QA positions without a union agreement. ZeniMax Workers United is looking for a fair ratio of outsourced to full-time workers in its bargaining unit. Neither Microsoft nor the union has identified the outsourcing partners.
Union members have agreed that the strike is necessary but shared differing optimism regarding the situation. Eichner said she was looking forward to the walkout, seeing it as a time to “come together” and bond. However, ZeniMax senior quality assurance tester Juniper Dowell does not feel as positive about striking.
“Striking isn’t fun or ideal, but there’s a satisfaction in having a concrete physical action we can do to fight for better work conditions,” Dowell told Inverse. “Hopefully, we can convince them to stop dragging their feet and meet us at the table.”
The strike appears to be a shot across Microsoft’s bow as it is scheduled to only last until 6:00 pm Central and Eastern times – basically one workday. It will be interesting to see how Redmond executives respond to the surprise action.
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