Bethesda and ZeniMax employees go on strike to demand Microsoft review of remote work system – GIGAZINE

The ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, a labor union comprising employees of game developers Bethesda and ZeniMax, held a one-day strike. Employees called on parent company Microsoft to address issues surrounding remote work and outsourcing.

ZeniMax Video Game Workers Walk Off the Job in Maryland and Texas | Communications Workers of America
https://cwa-union.org/news/zenimax-video-game-workers-walk-job-maryland-and-texas

Bethesda Workers Go On Strike Against Microsoft – GameSpot
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-workers-go-on-strike-against-microsoft/1100-6527751/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

Workers at Bethesda parent company strike over remote work policies – The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295556/video-game-developer-strike-zenimax-microsoft

Hundreds of employees working as quality assurance testers in Texas and Maryland started a strike from 10:00 a.m. local time to 6:00 p.m. local time on November 14, 2024, calling for improved working conditions. .

ZeniMax Workers United alleges that Microsoft has failed to address important issues such as remote work options and outsourcing, and has not sought to come to the bargaining table with unions.

These include protesting that Microsoft once replaced employees with outsourced workers without notice, and making remote work options more flexible. Microsoft requirements require employees in the quality assurance testing department to be in the office two days a week, but employees have complained about the lack of flexibility.

Juniper Dowell, a senior employee who took part in the strike, said: “Strikes are not fun or ideal, but it feels good to be actually taking action to fight for better working conditions.” “Hopefully we can convince Microsoft to stop holding us back and open the table.”

ZeniMax Workers United was officially recognized as a union in January 2023, becoming the first union at parent company Microsoft, and at the time was said to be the largest video game union in America. The Telecommunications Workers Union of America, which supports ZeniMax Workers United, supports this strike, criticizes Microsoft for contracting the work without notifying the union, and has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

“We respect our employees’ right to express their opinions in this case,” Microsoft spokeswoman Becca Dougherty said. I would like to continue doing so.”

Eight hours after the strike began, ZeniMax Workers United issued a statement saying, “Thank you for joining us on strike today. Tomorrow, we will return to work in good spirits, knowing that we have a united community.” I did.