‘We’ll be showing them just how valuable our labor is:’ Zenimax workers vote to authorize strike at Microsoft

Hundreds of unionized workers at The Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer ZeniMax Media have voted to authorise a strike.

The bargaining unit—represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215 (ZeniMax Workers United-CWA)—is priming for strike action following two years of contract negations with ZeniMax parent company Microsoft.

Should those negotiations fall through, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA leaders will now have the power to call for a strike.

Members of the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee are attempting to secure better wages, workplace improvements, and robust remote work options.

They also want Microsoft to address key concerns, such as its decision to replace in-house quality assurance staffers with outsourced labor without notifying the union. The latter incident resulted in the CWA filing an unfair labor practice against Microsoft and strike action from ZeniMax Workers United-CWA.

One union member suggested Microsoft and ZeniMax remain “unwilling” to meet their demands.

“Underpayment and costly RTO initiatives have caused many of us to put our lives on pause because our income does not match even the rising cost of living in the cities where ZeniMax insists we live and work to maintain employment,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 6215 Member and senior QA tester Zachary Armstrong.

Related:The key to Eggy Party’s UGC success lies in recommendation system iteration

“None of us wishes it had come to this, but if Microsoft and ZeniMax continue to demonstrate at the bargaining table that they’re unwilling to pay us fair wages for the value our labor provides to our games, we’ll be showing them just how valuable our labor is.”

Fellow union member and associate QA tester Aubrey Litchfield said workers at Microsoft and ZeniMax have been continuously fighting for the “bare minimum.”

“Paying your employees a livable wage as a multi-trillion dollar company is the least they could be doing; however when addressed at the bargaining table, Microsoft acts as though we’re asking for too much,” they continued.

Litchfield added that in-house ZeniMax contractors have been plying their trade on “minimal wages with no benefits, including no paid sick time,” leaving them unable to plan for the future due to a lack of financial security.

ZeniMax Workers United-CWA was formed in 2023 after a supermajority of over 300 quality assurance workers voted to unionize. Later that year, Microsoft agreed to incorporate some contract workers into the union.

Other unions have assembled at Microsoft following its merger with Activision Blizzard, including  a wall-to-wall union comprising over 500 employees at Blizzard Entertainment and another within ZeniMax Online Studios called ZOS United-CWA. 

Related:Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt taps Scopely to develop franchise spin-off

Take your gaming to the next level! The Redragon S101 RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers incredible value. This all-in-one PC Gamer Value Kit includes a Programmable Backlit Gaming Mouse, perfect for competitive gaming or casual use.

With 46,015 ratings, an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and over 4K+ bought in the past month, this kit is trusted by gamers everywhere! Available now for just $39.99 on Amazon. Plus, act fast and snag an exclusive 15% off coupon – but hurry, this offer won’t last long!

Score this incredible deal now!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!