ZeniMax QA workers have reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft, paving the way for better wages and more

Congrats to ZeniMax Workers United-CWA!

Yesterday, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, the national made up of much than 300 prime assurance workers astatine Microsoft via its subsidiary ZeniMax Media, reached a tentative declaration statement with Microsoft. The national was formed backmost successful 2022, and has been bargaining with Microsoft successful the intervening years since. Last month, the national was preparing to perchance onslaught against Microsoft, but present it seems similar this whitethorn beryllium avoided.

If afloat agreed to, the declaration volition bring successful "substantial across-the-board wage increases arsenic good arsenic caller minimum salaries for workers", according to a property merchandise from the CWA. On apical of that, determination would beryllium protections against arbitrary dismissal, grievance procedures, and a "crediting argumentation that intelligibly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they assistance create." The property merchandise notes that the statement would besides see an statement made successful 2023 successful narration to however AI is utilized successful the workplace.

To beryllium clear, this declaration isn't acceptable successful chromatic conscionable yet. Explanation meetings request to beryllium held for members implicit the coming weeks, and according to the CWA a ratification ballot should beryllium completed by June 20th. If it goes through, it volition beryllium a immense triumph for the workers, and should acceptable a large precedent for crippled workers employed astatine a Microsoft-owned studio.

Earlier this month, a national made up of astir 200 Overwatch devs was besides formed alongside the CWA, called the Overwatch Gamemakers Guild. Microsoft person already recognised this national arsenic well. If things proceed to spell good for ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, possibly we'll spot wins astatine different unions further down the line. I for 1 person my fingers profoundly tied for specified results.