Microsoft and CWA Expand Labour Neutrality Agreement to Include ZeniMax Employees

Following a recent announcement, workers at ZeniMax Studios are now protected under the labour neutrality agreement between Microsoft and the Communications Workers of America. This agreement enables all ZeniMax staff to decide on collective bargaining, with Microsoft legally required to adopt a neutral approach towards employee unionisation. According to ZeniMax Workers United-CWA member Page Branson, "This development provides thousands of ZeniMax colleagues with a fair opportunity to organise and advocate for improved working conditions. Our experience with a similar agreement has shown that the process is straightforward, and management does not attempt to sway individuals' decisions or interfere with the voting process. As our numbers grow within ZeniMax, Microsoft, and the video game industry, we will earn the respect we deserve and establish higher working standards for everyone, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the company." This update comes shortly after Microsoft closed four ZeniMax-owned studios, including Arkane Austin in the US. The labour neutrality agreement between Microsoft and CWA was initially established in July 2022, pending the Activision Blizzard acquisition. After the deal was finalised, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment in October 2023, stating that it remains dedicated to supporting current and future employees in their choices regarding workplace representation. In January 2023, Zenimax QA workers successfully unionised, with a majority of 300 QA developers across Zenimax's US operations voting in favour of creating Zenimax Workers United.