Video Game Workers Reach Historic Tentative Contract Agreement with Microsoft

NATIONWIDE – In a first for the video game industry, over 300 quality assurance workers working at Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Media — represented by Communications Workers of America Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215 (ZeniMax Workers United-CWA) — announced that they have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company. ZeniMax Workers United-CWA and Microsoft have been negotiating for a first contract for nearly two years.

“QA workers from across the country continue to lead the charge for industry-wide change,” said Page Branson, Senior II QA Tester and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member. “Going toe-to-toe with one of the largest corporations in the world isn’t a small feat. This is a monumental victory for all current video game workers and for those that come after.”

“Video games have been the revenue titan of the entire entertainment industry for years, and the workers who develop these games are too often exploited for their passion and creativity. Organizing unions, bargaining for a contract, and speaking with one collective voice has allowed workers to take back the autonomy we all deserve,” said Jessee Leese, QA tester at ZeniMax and ZeniMax Workers United-CWA bargaining committee member. “Our first contract is an invitation for video game professionals everywhere to take action. We’re the ones who make these games, and we’ll be the ones to set new standards for fair treatment.”

“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,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “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 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 agreement also includes protections against arbitrary dismissal, grievance procedures, and a crediting policy that clearly acknowledges the QA workers’ contributions to the video games they help create. It also incorporates a previously announced agreement on how artificial intelligence is introduced and implemented in the workplace.

“Our members knew what they deserved to make the industry a better place and fought for a tentative agreement that reflects the value they bring to the table,” said CWA Local 2100 President Nick Riddle. “Their victory is a win for us all, to show what can be possible through solidarity and collective bargaining.”

“This tentative agreement reflects workers’ deep commitment to equity and respect in a field that has long undervalued their contributions and exploited their passions. And they did it by holding the line together,” said CWA Local 2108 President Johnny Brown. “We’re proud to have them in our ranks as leaders for the entire labor movement.”

“Even amidst a rapidly evolving industry with significant volatility and job insecurity, video game workers never lost sight of what they deserved,” said CWA Local 6215 Vice President Alex Doblado. “We celebrate their commitment to building a better future through collective action. They are a testament to the power of unions.”

Contract explanation meetings will be held for members over the next few weeks, and a ratification vote is expected to be concluded by June 20.

“Organizing an entire workplace and fighting for a first contract takes resilience and determination. Their hard work has laid the foundation for what’s next at Microsoft,” said CWA District 2-13 Vice President Mike Davis. “I look forward to the strong contract that we’ll secure with other video game studios in the months to come. This is just the beginning.”

“Taking on one of the largest tech companies in the world and winning real gains on improving the workplace is no small feat,” said CWA District 6 Vice President Derrick Osobase. “No matter how complex or powerful the employer may seem, collective action works. These workers have earned this victory and are opening the door for future worker-organizers.”

Over 2,000 Microsoft video game workers have joined CWA under a groundbreaking neutrality agreement that enables them to freely and fairly make a choice about union representation.

###

About CODE-CWA

The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.

About CWA

The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

cwa-union.org @cwaunion