Microsoft Near Deal With Bethesda QA Union After 2 Years

Over 300 unionized QA testers at ZeniMax Media working on major titles like The Elder Scrolls and Doom have secured a provisional agreement with parent company Microsoft for their first labor contract, two years after forming their union.

ZeniMax Workers United, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), reports the deal features significant pay raises across all positions, guaranteed minimum wages, safeguards against unjust termination, formal grievance processes, AI usage protections affecting workers, and proper crediting recognition for QA contributions.

ZeniMax Media oversees publisher Bethesda Softworks and renowned studios including Bethesda Game Studios (The Elder Scrolls, Fallout), id Software (Doom), Arkane (Dishonored), MachineGames (Wolfenstein), and ZeniMax Online Studios (The Elder Scrolls Online). The Microsoft Gaming division acquired ZeniMax Media for $8.1 billion in March 2021.

"While video games dominate entertainment revenues, developers frequently face exploitation of their dedication and talent," noted Jessee Leese, bargaining committee member.

"Unionization gives us collective power to reclaim workplace dignity. This contract sets precedent for industry professionals seeking fair treatment – we build these worlds, we'll define proper standards."

Following Microsoft's neutrality pledge, ZeniMax QA staff unionized in January 2023 after similar moves at Raven Software and Blizzard Albany. Negotiations proved difficult, culminating in a November strike over remote work disputes and alleged outsourcing violations, followed by an April strike authorization vote regarding wages and telework policies.

The agreement requires ratification through member voting before June 20.