ZeniMax union “overwhelming” votes to authorise strike if Microsoft contract negotiations break down

ZeniMax Workers United has “overwhelmingly voted” to grant permission for a strike against Microsoft.

More than 94% of the union has consented to the decision for a strike if negotiations falter.

ZeniMax Workers United, which is part of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), was established in 2023 and represents over 300 quality assurance personnel in Maryland and Texas.

It has been working towards a first contract with Microsoft for close to two years, and members of the bargaining team are persistently advocating for “improved wages, better working conditions, remote work options, and the company’s replacement of in-house quality assurance roles with outsourced work without informing the union.”

“Low pay and expensive return-to-office policies have led many of us to halt significant life decisions because our salaries do not even cover the increasing living costs in cities where ZeniMax insists we must reside to keep our jobs,” stated union member and senior QA tester Zachary Armstrong.

“None of us wanted this situation, but Microsoft and ZeniMax continue to exhibit at the negotiating table that they are unwilling to provide fair compensation for the value our efforts contribute to our games; thus, we will be demonstrating just how essential our work is.”

Union member and associate QA tester Aubrey Litchfield remarked: “Despite being one of the largest companies in the region, we have had to constantly advocate for what should be the basic minimum rights.”

“Providing your employees with a living wage as a multi-trillion dollar corporation is the least they could do; however, when brought up during negotiations, Microsoft behaves as though we are demanding too much.”

Litchfield further stated: “Our in-house contractors are working for minimal pay without benefits, including no paid sick leave. Workers are opting not to start families because…”