Last year, quality-assurance workers at Bethesda and ZeniMax studios established ZeniMax Workers United, the largest certified video game union in the United States. This union is now leveraging its collective strength in a brief strike against Bethesda and ZeniMax's parent company, Microsoft.
ZeniMax Workers United has been in negotiations with Microsoft regarding remote-work policies and the number of outsourced QA workers allowed on Bethesda's projects. The union has not disclosed the companies to which Microsoft is outsourcing QA work but has accused the company of neglecting their requests for negotiation.
"They have consistently presented us with their initial proposal repeatedly, and it's evident that our various mobilization strategies have not been effective," said QA test lead Rhyanna Eichner in an interview with Inverse. The one-day strike was initiated to encourage Microsoft to address the union's concerns more openly.
"Striking is neither enjoyable nor ideal, but there's a sense of accomplishment in taking a tangible action to fight for improved working conditions," remarked senior QA tester Juniper Dowell. "Hopefully, this will persuade them to cease stalling and engage in meaningful discussions."
Dowell noted that many QA testers were hired during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work was more common. Microsoft currently requires QA workers to be in the office two days a week, while the union advocates for a more flexible remote work policy.
Following the commencement of the strike, Microsoft issued a statement expressing its readiness to "listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table." If the one-day strike does not prompt Microsoft to make any concessions or changes, it could pave the way for a more prolonged strike in the future. However, for now, Bethesda's upcoming games, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, are not anticipated to be delayed by the strike.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
