Microsoft Video Game Testers Establish Company’s First U.S. Union, Reports Reuters

By Daniel Wiessner

A group of approximately 300 video game testers at Microsoft’s subsidiary, Zenimax Studios, have voted to unionize, as announced by the Communication Workers of America (CWA) on Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone for Microsoft in the United States.

The CWA reported that Zenimax employees at four locations in Maryland and Texas voted overwhelmingly to join the union, although specific voting numbers were not released. Zenimax is known for its major game franchises, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.

In response, Microsoft expressed its intention to honor a previous commitment to voluntarily recognize the union if the workers chose to join. “We look forward to engaging in good faith negotiations as we work towards a collective bargaining agreement,” the company stated.

By voluntarily agreeing to engage in bargaining, Microsoft can sidestep a formal election monitored by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, along with the potential legal disputes that often accompany such processes.

CWA President Christopher Shelton remarked that Microsoft is distinguishing itself from other tech companies that have discouraged union activities. He noted that “Microsoft is charting a different course which will strengthen its corporate culture and ability to serve its customers and should serve as a model for the industry and as a blueprint for regulators.”

In June, Microsoft entered into an agreement with the CWA to remain neutral during union organizing efforts at Activision Blizzard Inc, a company Microsoft is looking to acquire for $69 billion. However, U.S. regulators recently filed a lawsuit to block this acquisition.

In 2022, game testers at Activision units Blizzard Albany and Raven Software voted to join unions, following allegations by the CWA that the company threatened and retaliated against union supporters—a claim Activision has denied.