Elder Scrolls Online Developers Take Historic Step Towards Unionization
Employees at ZeniMax Online Studios have collectively chosen to unionize.
The ZOS United-CWA union, part of the Communications Workers of America, has officially been acknowledged by parent corporation Microsoft, “marking a considerable triumph for labor rights within the sector”.
The union stated that working together, employees will be equipped to advocate for “genuine enhancements to the workplace,” including “job security during unprecedented layoffs, safeguards against AI, improved wages, and benefits”.
A total of 461 members have enrolled, including web developers, designers, engineers, and graphic designers.
The decision to unionize follows after a substantial number of employees at ZeniMax staged a strike last month in protest against parent company Microsoft outsourcing tasks without engaging in negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union.
Today, we, a majority of video game workers at ZeniMax Online Studios alongside the team behind ESO, are thrilled to announce the formation of our union with
@cwaunion.bsky.social! ✊
— ZOS United-CWA (@zosunited.bsky.social) December 13, 2024 at 12:24 AM
“I’m thrilled to finally see employees having a voice in their work environment. Other organizations have opted to undermine and attack those who wish to collectively enrich their working conditions,” stated ZOS United-CWA member Billy Eichner.
“However, with a union at ZeniMax, we can cultivate a community where we support one another. We already collaborate to create fantastic games. Why not unite our efforts to establish a remarkable workplace?”
“Today, I’m immensely proud of my colleagues at ZeniMax Online Studios who are joining thousands of game workers asserting their power to foster greater stability in the industry,” added member John Hartzell. “Regardless,