ZeniMax Workers United, a union established by roughly 300 QA personnel at Bethesda’s parent company in 2023, has approved a vote allowing its leaders to initiate a strike after nearly two years of ongoing contract discussions.
In a public statement from the union, it was revealed that “over 94%” of the members voted for this authorization. While this authorization does not guarantee a strike will occur, it empowers union leaders to call for one if contract negotiations falter. Last year, ZeniMax Workers United orchestrated a one-day strike in response to mandatory return-to-office policies and the outsourcing of QA roles—issues that continue to be central to the union’s demands today, along with aspirations for “better wages” and “workplace enhancements.”
“Even though we’re part of a global corporate giant, we’ve had to relentlessly fight for what should be basic rights,” said union member and associate QA tester Aubrey Litchfield in the press release. “Ensuring employees receive a livable wage is the least a multi-trillion-dollar corporation can do; yet, when this is raised during negotiations, Microsoft behaves as if we’re making unreasonable demands.”
“Our quality assurance team plays a crucial role in our operations and is essential to delivering games that our players cherish,” Microsoft responded in a statement regarding the situation. “We respect the team’s right to express their perspectives and are fully committed to achieving a fair resolution that recognizes their vital contributions.”
“Significant advancements have been made during the negotiation process, and we have reached tentative agreements on most discussed topics. We have presented a proposal that we feel is equitable—it would lead to immediate salary increases and enhanced benefits, while also aligning with the company’s three days in-office hybrid model. We are eager to sustain this momentum in future negotiations.”
Senior QA tester Zachary Armstrong expressed in the union’s press release: “Insufficient pay and costly return-to-office mandates have forced many of us to halt our lives since our earnings do not keep up with the soaring cost of living in the cities where ZeniMax expects us to live to maintain our jobs.”
While the specific terms of the ongoing contract discussions are not made public, Microsoft’s commitment to hybrid work arrangements clearly isn’t adequate for a number of union members. As Litchfield notes, “we’ve managed to launch multiple titles while operating entirely remotely.” Developers at other studios, including Blizzard and Rockstar, have similarly opposed enforced return-to-office policies.
“We’re prepared to leverage our union power to ensure we continue creating exceptional games,” senior QA tester Skylar Hinnant stated. “Everyone here wants to keep working. Our hope is that Microsoft will let us do so with dignity and fairness by facilitating a first contract with our union.”
During discussions about Xbox and its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company exhibited supportive sentiments towards unions, yet an official contract is needed to truly gauge the extent of that support.