ZeniMax Workers Union Actions Strike in Response to Microsoft QA Outsourcing

As a fervent supporter of worker rights and fair labor practices, I stand in solidarity with ZeniMax Workers United. Their courageous action to strike against Microsoft, the parent company of Bethesda, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to better work conditions for quality assurance workers.

Last year, a union comprising quality assurance workers from Bethesda and ZeniMax, known as ZeniMax Workers United, has initiated a strike against their employer, ZeniMax Media and Bethesda, which is now owned by Microsoft.

The labor union is trying to work out an agreement with Microsoft concerning the hiring of contractor Quality Assurance workers for outsourcing tasks, as well as remote working conditions. However, it seems that Microsoft has been unwilling to engage in negotiations, resulting in a one-day strike by the union.

Test lead Rhyanna Eichner explained to Inverse (through GameSpot) that the team has repeatedly presented their initial idea, suggesting it’s clear now that our varied strategies for mobilization haven’t been effective, as they keep coming back with the same proposal.

Junior QA Tester Juniper Dowell expressed that while striking isn’t enjoyable or perfect, there’s a sense of accomplishment in taking tangible action to advocate for improved work conditions. She further hoped that they could persuade management to swiftly act and engage in negotiations with them.

Dowell points out that Microsoft has asked some Quality Assurance testers who were hired during the COVID-19 pandemic to return to the office for two days weekly, while they had been working remotely full-time up until now. However, the union is advocating for a more flexible remote work policy.

After the start of the strike, Microsoft has since released a statement, promising to “hear and respond to [the union’s] issues during negotiations.” The strike is not expected to affect the release schedule for Bethesda’s current lineup, which includes the launch of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on December 9th.

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2024-11-14 14:42