ZeniMax workers protest Microsoft's 'dragging of their feet' in negotiations on job security and remote working by going on strike.

Hundreds of members from the ZeniMax Workers United have gone on strike to protest the "lack" of progress in negotiations with ZeniMax's parent company Microsoft as well as its recent "unilateral" decision to outsource QA in the midst of widespread layoffs within the videogame industry.

The union posted "Today we are on strike" on X. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure that Microsoft comes to the bargaining table with us on key issues such as remote work options and outsourced jobs.

"We deserve improved working conditions and job security." Today, hundreds of our members will be on strike in Maryland and Texas from 10-6PM to tell Microsoft that they must stop dragging their heels.

ZeniMax Workers United, a union of videogame employees in the US, was formed in January 2023 as part of Communications Workers of America. It was the first union of game studio workers at Microsoft. Microsoft stated that it was "looking forward to engaging in fair negotiations as we work toward a collective bargaining contract" when the union vote was passed. CWA President Chris Shelton praised the company for its approach to unionization and said that the model should serve as a blueprint for regulators.

The honeymoon is over. The CWA stated in a press release that the strike was being held "to call [Microsoft] out for not making progress at the bargaining tables over remote work, and for unilaterally outsourcing the quality assurance work without bargaining directly with the union."

The union stated that "ZeniMax Workers United - CWA members have raised concern that ZeniMax’s recent unilateral decision of outsourcing quality assurance work could threaten job security amid record layoffs in the videogame industry," it said. The CWA noted that in October it filed a charge of unfair labor practices against ZeniMax "for contracting work without notification."

A representative said that contact between the union, Microsoft and the company "has been ongoing for the entire duration of the negotiations." He added that "our hope is that the strike will create urgency" at the bargaining tables.

Images of the strike at ZeniMax’s Rockville, Maryland office, courtesy of ZeniMax Workers United - CWA member Jordan Duenas. (via Communications Workers of America).

Microsoft, which acquired Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media, in 2021, played a major role in the industry-wide layoffs. In January 2024 the company laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming division. This was followed by 650 more in September. Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that this was necessary for "sustainable future growth."

Spencer said recently that the Xbox business has "never been healthier" and that Microsoft is open to more acquisitions.

A Microsoft spokesperson told PC Gamer that they "respect our employees' right to express their opinion as they did today." "We will continue listening and addressing their concerns at bargaining table."