‘We are frustrated:’ ZeniMax union workers continue to pressure Microsoft over contract negotiations

Unionized workers at The Elder Scrolls and Fallout maker ZeniMax Media have again called out parent company Microsoft for purportedly failing to negotiate in good faith.

A number of employees represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215 (ZeniMax Workers United-CWA) claim Microsoft is intentionally hindering contract talks with union members—leaving them in the lurch more than two years after negotiations began on April 25, 2023.

“It’s become increasingly clear that although Microsoft tries to position itself as a good-faith employer, there’s another story being told behind the scenes at the bargaining table,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 2108 member and senior QA tester Autumn Mitchell in a CWA statement.

“We are frustrated. Our union will continue fighting until we secure a first contract, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes—even if that means withholding our labor.”

The latest statement from CWA union members at ZeniMax comes weeks after the cohort voted to authorize a strike in response to Microsoft’s purported inaction.

It also arrives roughly three years after Microsoft entered into a labor neutrality agreement with the CWA to let employees “freely and fairly make a choice about union representation.” Although Microsoft pledged to give employees a seat at the table, it has now repeatedly been accused of failing to engage in productive negotiations with those who’ve chosen to organize.

Related:Report: EA lays off hundreds of workers after canceling games at Respawn Entertainment

Strike action possible at ZeniMax despite Microsoft claiming it has tabled ‘fair’ proposals

Members of the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee are pushing Microsoft for better wages, workplace improvements, and more robust remote work options. They have also called on Microsoft to address its decision to replace in-house quality assurance staffers with outsourced labor without informing the union.

In a statement to Game Developer following the strike vote, Microsoft said it had presented “fair” proposals to union workers at ZeniMax.

“We respect the team’s right to express their viewpoints and are deeply committed to reaching a fair and equitable resolution that acknowledges the teams’ contributions,” said a Microsoft spokesperson.

CWA chief of staff Sylvia J. Ramos remains adamant, however, that Microsoft is refusing to prioritize negotiations. “We are approaching the three-year anniversary of CWA’s groundbreaking labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft,” said Ramos.

“Thousands of workers have freely and fairly chosen union representation with CWA under the agreement. It’s time for Microsoft’s negotiators to make bargaining contracts with these workers a priority so that together we can fully realize the promise of our partnership.”

Related:Report: Russia aims to seize assets of former Wargaming subsidiary Lesta Studio

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