Zenimax QA Staff to Decide on Union Formation

Approximately 300 quality assurance workers at Microsoft-owned Zenimax are taking steps to establish a union with the Communications Workers of America's CODE-CWA initiative. If a majority of eligible workers vote in favour, this would not only be the first union within Microsoft but also the largest for game industry workers in the United States. Microsoft has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, as initially stated in June, ensuring that it will not hinder the unionisation process and will provide clear guidance to Zenimax management on maintaining neutrality. This stance was confirmed by both the Communications Workers of America and the newly formed Zenimax Workers United group on Twitter, with the latter announcing that the voting process will occur over the next four weeks. The Zenimax Workers United group expressed their commitment to creating a collective voice for all workers, stating, "We recognise the significance of this opportunity to pave the way for a new era in the game industry, and we approach this responsibility with seriousness. Our union aims to be an inclusive platform where all workers can contribute to decision-making and advocate for changes that align with their needs and desires." The group of Zenimax workers spans across four studios located in Hunt Valley and Rockville, Maryland, as well as Austin and Dallas, Texas. Christopher Shelton, President of the Communications Workers of America, commented, "When workers are given the freedom to join a union without interference, it amplifies their voice in the workplace. We are pleased to support the quality assurance workers at Zenimax as they join the growing labour movement in the U.S. video game industry [...] We appreciate Microsoft's neutrality throughout this process, allowing workers to make their own decision about unionising." This development follows closely on the heels of QA workers at Blizzard Albany voting to unionise and the successful unionisation of Raven Software's QA team in May.