Bethesda Workers Go On Strike Against Microsoft

Last year, quality-assurance workers at Bethesda and ZeniMax studios formed ZeniMax Workers United, the largest certified video game union in the United States. Now that union is putting its collective power to the test in a brief strike against Bethesda and ZeniMax’s parent company, Microsoft.

ZeniMax Workers United has been attempting to negotiate a deal with Microsoft over remote-work requirements while also limiting the number of outsourced QA workers who can be brought in on Bethesda’s projects. The union didn’t say who Microsoft is outsourcing QA work to, but it accused the company of ignoring requests to negotiate.

“They have continually given us their first proposal again and again, and it’s become obvious that our different mobilization tactics have not worked,” QA test lead Rhyanna Eichnersaid told Inverse.

This one-day strike was called in an attempt to make Microsoft more receptive to addressing the union’s concerns.

“Striking isn’t fun or ideal, but there’s a satisfaction in having a concrete physical action we can do to fight for better work conditions,” noted senior QA tester Juniper Dowell. “Hopefully, we can convince them to stop dragging their feet and meet us at the table.”

According to Dowell, many of the QA testers were hired during the COVID pandemic when remote work was more prevalent. Microsoft’s current requirements call for QA workers to be in the office two days a week, while the union is asking for a more flexible remote policy.

After the strike began, Microsoft issued a statement affirming the company’s willingness to “listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table.”

If the one-day strike fails to motivate Microsoft to make any concessions or changes, it could lead to a longer strike in the future. But for now, Bethesda’s upcoming games, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, are not expected to be delayed by the strike.