ZeniMax Workers Union and Microsoft Reach Tentative Agreement for Contract Negotiations
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- The Communications Workers of America (CWA) represented ZeniMax Workers Union for negotiations with Microsoft.
- Microsoft and the CWA reached an agreement after nearly two years of contract negotiations.
- The new contract “sets new standards for the industry and includes substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers.”
The CWA announced that Microsoft and the ZeniMax Workers Union reached a tentative agreement for contract negotiations. According to the CWA, the new contract “sets new standards for the industry and includes substantial across-the-board wage increases as well as new minimum salaries for workers.” Contract negotiations had been ongoing for nearly two years.
“Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve,” QA tester Jessee Leese said in the official press release.
CWA Presdient Claude Cummings Jr. shared their take on the organization’s reported success:
“Workers in the video game industry are demonstrating once again that collective power works. This agreement shows what’s possible when workers stand together and refuse to accept the status quo.
“Whether it’s having a say about the use of AI in the workplace, fighting for significant wage increases and fair crediting policies, or protecting workers from retaliation, our members have raised the bar. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.”
The CWA is home to over 2,000 Microsoft video game workers. The ZeniMax Workers Union were ready to strike in case contract negotiations did not go their way. In April of 2025, ZeniMax Workers United union voted in overwhelming majority to authorize a strike against Microsoft in case contract negotiations are unsuccessful – 94 percent of workers in ZeniMax Workers United voted in favor of strike authorization.
