ZeniMax Workers United QA Union Achieves Tentative Agreement with Microsoft After Two Years of Negotiations

ZeniMax Workers United Secures Tentative Agreement After Prolonged Negotiations

In a significant development for the gaming industry, ZeniMax Workers United has successfully reached a tentative agreement after two years of negotiations. This union represents over 300 quality assurance (QA) developers employed at ZeniMax Media, part of the Microsoft family. This notable milestone marks the first contractual agreement for a union formed following Microsoft’s commitment to a neutral stance toward employees seeking to unionize during its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

A Historic Step for Unionization

The breakthrough agreement has been labeled as “historic”in a press release by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The ZeniMax Workers United-CWA’s achievement not only illustrates the strength of collective bargaining but also sets a precedent for future unions within the gaming sector.

Response to Delays and Authorization of Strike Powers

This tentative deal comes shortly after the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA voted to authorize strike action due to frustrations over prolonged negotiations with Microsoft. Union member Zachary Armstrong voiced concerns about the slow pace at which discussions were progressing, stating, “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.”

Key Features of the Tentative Agreement

The agreement includes substantial wage increases and sets new minimum salary standards for QA workers. Additionally, the deal incorporates protections against arbitrary termination, establishes grievance procedures, and introduces a recognition policy that emphasizes the significant contributions of QA employees to the development of video games. These provisions reflect a growing awareness of the essential roles played by QA workers in the gaming industry.

Voices of Change in the Industry

Page Branson, a senior QA tester and member of the ZWU-CWA bargaining committee, expressed pride in the union’s success, stating, “QA workers from across the country continue to lead the charge for industry-wide change. Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat. This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after.”

Another committee member, Jessee Leese, emphasized the importance of collective action among game developers.“Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions and bargaining collectively has allowed us to reclaim the autonomy we rightfully deserve. Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action, ”he said.

The Road Ahead

As anticipation builds, the ZWU-CWA expects the tentative agreement to be ratified by June 20, heralding a new chapter for QA workers at ZeniMax. Furthermore, several other unions formed under Microsoft’s union neutrality commitment—such as the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild-CWA, One BGS USA, One BGS Montreal, Game Workers Alliance at Raven Software, and the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild-CWA—are keenly observing this development as they push for their agreements.

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