ZeniMax Union Members Vote to Authorize a Strike Against Microsoft Over Contract Delays
After a prolonged negotiation period, ZeniMax Workers United has overwhelmingly voted to back a strike against Microsoft concerning unresolved contract issues.
After nearly two years of negotiations, ZeniMax Workers United has taken a decisive step by voting “overwhelmingly” to empower union leadership to initiate a strike if Microsoft continues to stall in contract negotiations.
ZeniMax Workers United, which is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America and was established in January 2023, now stands as one of the largest videogame unions in the United States. Although the union began its contract negotiations shortly after forming, progress has been slow. Key issues include demands for improved wages, workplace conditions, remote work allowances, and transparency regarding outsourcing of quality assurance roles.
In late 2024, the CWA filed an unfair labor practices charge against Microsoft regarding its outsourcing practices. The union members even organized a one-day walkout to protest the stagnation in bargaining, and now, with over 94% in favor of a strike authorization, the union appears set to escalate their actions.
“Underpayment and costly return-to-office initiatives have forced many of us to put aspects of our lives on hold, as our wages have not kept pace with living costs in our locations mandated by ZeniMax,” expressed union member Zachary Armstrong.
“While we didn’t want this outcome, continued refusal from Microsoft and ZeniMax to offer fair wages for our contributions might leave us no choice but to demonstrate our worth through a strike.”
A fellow union member, Aubrey Litchfield, highlighted troubling conditions for in-house contractors, advocating for better treatment and benefits, emphasizing that the lack of financial stability is affecting workers’ personal lives.
Currently, the union is not organizing a boycott of ZeniMax’s popular Elder Scrolls Online MMO, despite the overwhelming strike vote. Meanwhile, Microsoft expressed that they have made substantial progress during negotiations, asserting that they have offered a package that promises immediate pay increases and enhanced benefits, aligned with their hybrid work model.
As the situation develops, a potential strike could mark a significant turn in labor relations within the gaming industry, following recent actions taken by SAG-AFTRA members advocating for AI protections.
