Bethesda and ZeniMax workers strike to demand Microsoft overhaul remote work arrangements



The ZeniMax Workers United (CWA), a labor union representing game developers Bethesda and ZeniMax, held a one-day strike to demand that parent company Microsoft address issues related to 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

The strike was started by hundreds of quality assurance testers in Texas and Maryland, and will run from 10am to 6pm local time on November 14, 2024, demanding improved working conditions.




ZeniMax Workers United alleges that Microsoft has neglected to address key issues like remote work options and outsourcing, and has refused to come to the negotiating table with the union.

These include protesting Microsoft's past practice of replacing employees with outsourced workers without notice, and asking for more flexibility in remote work options. Microsoft's requirements require employees in the quality assurance testing department to come into the office two days a week, but employees are unhappy with what they see as a lack of flexibility.

'Striking is not fun or ideal, but it feels good to be taking action to fight for better working conditions,' said Juniper Dowell, a senior employee who took part in the walkout. 'Hopefully we can convince Microsoft to stop dragging us down and come to the table.'



ZeniMax Workers United was officially recognized as a union in January 2023, becoming the first union at parent company Microsoft and was said to be the largest video game union in the U.S. at the time. The Communications Workers of America, which supports ZeniMax Workers United, supports the strike but criticizes Microsoft for taking on the work without notifying the union, filing an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

'We respect employees' right to express their views in this instance, and we will continue to listen to them and engage with them at the negotiating table,' Microsoft spokeswoman Becca Dougherty said.

Eight hours after the strike began, ZeniMax Workers United said, 'Thank you for joining us on strike today. Tomorrow, we will return to work energized and knowing full well that we have a united community.'




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