ZeniMax and Microsoft approve union agreement

ZeniMax Workers United-CWA's first US union contract with Microsoft covers over 300 QA employees, ensuring wage increases and AI usage protections.

: ZeniMax Workers United-CWA has secured a landmark union contract with Microsoft for over 300 quality assurance employees, a first for Microsoft in the US. This agreement follows a unionization vote in 2023 and a commitment to labor neutrality in 2024. The contract guarantees wage increases, minimum salaries, and AI usage protections, acknowledging the vital role of QA workers. Stephen Totilo was the initial reporter on the story, and comments have been sought from Microsoft and the Communications Workers of America.

In late May 2025, over 300 quality assurance (QA) workers at ZeniMax Media, a subsidiary of Microsoft, reached a tentative union agreement with the company. The workers, organized under ZeniMax Workers United/CWA, formed the first certified video game union at Microsoft. The agreement follows nearly two years of organizing and negotiations after Microsoft voluntarily recognized the union in 2023 under its labor neutrality agreement.

The proposed contract includes significant wage increases, establishes minimum salary thresholds, and ensures job protections such as just-cause termination policies and grievance procedures. It also grants formal crediting for QA testers in games, addressing a long-standing industry issue where these workers are often left out of public acknowledgment despite their critical role.

Another key element of the contract is the inclusion of worker rights in decisions around artificial intelligence integration. This policy grants the QA team input on how AI tools are used in their workflows, following earlier internal discussions about automation and fair labor practices. This clause represents a proactive approach to labor-tech relations in a rapidly evolving industry.

Negotiations nearly broke down in April 2025 when union members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike over unresolved issues. However, mounting pressure, including picketing and public support, prompted Microsoft to return to the table and finalize the agreement. Both sides described the result as a milestone in corporate-union collaboration in tech.

The tentative agreement now awaits ratification by union members, with a vote scheduled before June 20. If approved, it will become Microsoft’s first official union contract in gaming and could set a precedent for similar efforts across other major studios. Industry observers consider it a landmark development in the growing trend of labor organizing in the gaming sector.

Sources: The Verge, Game Developer, Windows Central

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