LogInThe reason is a lack of negotiation from Microsoft, ZeniMax's parent company.
On November 13, members of ZeniMax Workers United went on strike to ensure that ZeniMax's parent company, Microsoft, met their demands regarding remote work and outsourcing policy. The strike took place from 10 to 6 pm in Maryland and Texas.
"We deserve job security and improved working conditions," the employees write on their Twitter page. The reason for the protest is the alleged lack of negotiations from Microsoft, which is "dragging their feet," as the members of the union describe.
"Outsourcing and remote work are both important issues facing our unit and the workplace, and the industry as a whole," ZeniMax Workers United members said (via Windows Central). Reportedly, QA workers are not allowed to work remotely full-time, and Microsoft outsources its workforce, not regarding union workers. "We understand that outsourcing has a place in testing and development. The issue is that Microsoft is taking action without notice or negotiation with our union. They are also effectively replacing in-house QA work with outsourced work," the employees say.
Following the protest, a Microsoft spokesperson said (via VG247): "We respect our employees' rights to express their point of view as they have done today. We will continue to listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table."
ZeniMax Workers United was formed in 2023 and was the biggest union of game workers in North America, with around 300 QA developers at the time. Its members include developers of such Bethesda's titles as Fallout and Starfield.
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