ZeniMax's QA workers, over 300 in total, have struck a tentative deal with Microsoft, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing unionization struggle within the video game industry. This contract serves as the first for Microsoft amid increased labor organization efforts initiated four years ago. The agreement, facilitated by the Communication Workers of America (CWA), promises wage increases, protections against arbitrary dismissal, and crediting guidelines, essential for ensuring fair recognition of contributions in game development. A ratification vote is scheduled for June.
This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after, said Page Branson, a Senior QA Tester at ZeniMax in the press release announcing the agreement.
The contract guarantees wage increases - a big deal considering QA are some of the lowest paid workers in the industry.
The contract will also include protections against arbitrary dismissal, as well as crediting guidelines - another big deal as there are numerous ways a person who worked on a video game can get left off its credits.
Organized by the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the ZeniMax Workers United-CWA union was formed in 2023 and was voluntarily recognized by Microsoft.
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