ZeniMax Workers United, a union formed by more than 300 QA workers in Texas and Maryland under the Communications Workers of America, have taken a vote to authorize a strike.
The union formed back in January 2023 with over 300 members. In a press release announcing the strike authorization, ZeniMax Workers United notes that they have been negotiating for their first contract for almost two years.
Senior QA tester and union member Zachary Armstrong says, “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”.
Another member, Aubrey Litchfield outlines some of the issues of concern in the negotiations. “Our in-house contractors have been working on minimal wages with no benefits, including no paid sick time. Workers are choosing not to start families because of the uncertainty of finances. We’ve released multiple titles while working fully remote.”
This does not mean that a strike will happen, but it gives the union permission to call a strike if ongoing contract negotiations break down. More than 94% of eligible members voted for this authorization.
