UPDATE: ZeniMax Union Vote Authorizes Strike Against Microsoft

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As a dedicated game tester, I’ve joined forces with my fellow quality assurance colleagues across Maryland and Texas, forming ZeniMax Workers United. We’ve taken a collective stand and voted to approve a potential strike action against the company. Our goal is to ensure fair working conditions and the recognition of our hard work in ensuring that the games we love are bug-free and enjoyable for players worldwide.

On Tuesday, it became known that almost all (95%) of the cast votes supported the authorization.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that Microsoft values their Quality Assurance team highly, acknowledging their crucial role in creating games we all enjoy. They respect the team’s right to voice their opinions and are working diligently towards a fair resolution that honors their contributions.

Throughout the negotiations, significant advancements have been made on most topics under discussion. Microsoft has proposed a package deal they believe is reasonable, offering immediate wage increases, enhanced benefits, and aligning with the company’s hybrid work model (3 days in office). I’m eager to see how these discussions unfold and the positive impact it will have on the games we love!

The union claims that, as talks between Microsoft, ZeniMax, and the union have stalled without significant advancement for nearly two years, the decision they’ve announced was prompted by ongoing disagreements. More precisely, demands to return to the office and perceived undercompensation are the main points of contention among the parties involved.

Zachary Armstrong, a senior QA tester and member of ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 6215, stated in a press release that the persistent underpayment and expensive Return to Office (RTO) initiatives have left many employees struggling financially. As these costs increase with the growing expense of urban living, where ZeniMax requires us to reside for employment, they’ve caused people like me to temporarily halt their lives,” he said.

We regret the situation, but if Microsoft and ZeniMax persist in refusing to compensate us fairly for the worth of our work in their games during negotiations, we’ll make it clear to them exactly how crucial our contributions are.

Aubrey Litchfield, a Union member and Associate QA Tester, commented: “Our internal contractors have been earning low wages without benefits, including no paid sick leave. This has led workers to postpone starting families due to financial insecurity. We’ve let go of several positions while working remotely. When will the lack of fair treatment reach a point where change becomes necessary?

It’s crucial to clarify that the union hasn’t started an actual strike yet. In simpler terms, if talks about a potential agreement don’t make any headway, the union has the power to declare a strike, and they wouldn’t need another vote for this decision.

As a gamer, I’ve reached out to both Microsoft and ZeniMax, seeking their comments on the ongoing negotiations. If they respond, I’ll certainly update this tale with their insights.

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2025-04-01 22:48