New Contract Agreement for ZeniMax Quality Assurance Workers
Today, a significant development occurred for over 300 unionized quality assurance employees at ZeniMax Media, a company responsible for popular games like The Elder Scrolls and Doom. These workers, having formed their union two years ago, have successfully negotiated a provisional agreement with Microsoft, which acquired ZeniMax Media in 2021.
The union, known as ZeniMax Workers United and affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has secured a deal that promises significant wage increases across the board. The agreement also sets minimum salary levels, provides safeguards against unjust termination, and introduces grievance procedures. Additionally, it includes measures to protect against the potential misuse of artificial intelligence in ways that could affect employee welfare and ensures that quality assurance workers receive proper credits for the games they help create.
ZeniMax Media, under the ownership of Microsoft and operated within its Microsoft Gaming division, encompasses several prominent studios. These include Bethesda Softworks and Bethesda Game Studios, known for The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Starfield; id Software, the creator of Doom, Quake, and Rage; Arkane Studios, which developed Dishonored, Prey, and Redfall; MachineGames, known for Wolfenstein and the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle; and ZeniMax Online Studios, which manages The Elder Scrolls Online.
Jessee Leese, a member of the bargaining committee, highlighted the broader implications of their efforts. “The video game industry generates more revenue than any other entertainment sector, yet its developers are frequently exploited for their dedication and ingenuity,” said Leese. “Forming a union, negotiating collectively, and speaking with a united voice empowers workers to reclaim the autonomy we rightfully deserve. This initial agreement is a call to action for video game professionals everywhere. It’s time for those of us who create these games to establish new standards for fair treatment in the industry.”
The push to unionize ZeniMax’s QA workers began in January 2023, inspired by similar movements at Raven Software and Blizzard Albany, following Microsoft’s public pledge to remain neutral in labor matters. Despite the commitment, reaching an agreement was not without its hurdles. In November of the previous year, the workers staged a one-day walkout to protest stalled negotiations concerning remote work conditions and claims of Microsoft outsourcing QA tasks without proper dialogue with the union. The situation escalated in April when the workers voted decisively to authorize a potential strike, pointing again to issues related to remote working arrangements and inadequate compensation.
The acceptance of this preliminary contract is dependent on a ratification vote by the union members, which is anticipated to be finalized by June 20.
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