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Video game union announces first contract with Microsoft
Unionized QA testers at ZeniMax have announced a tentative contract with Microsoft, marking the company's first union contract in the U.S. The agreement includes a 13.5% pay raise and addresses AI use. Union members will vote on ratification on June 20. This represents a significant win for game workers, with over 2,000 Microsoft employees now part of the union.
Key points
- ZeniMax QA testers unionized through the CWA in 2021.
- Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in 2021, leading to contract negotiations.
- The tentative contract includes a 13.5% pay raise effective July 1.
- It also contains provisions regarding the use of AI.
- Union members will vote on the contract's ratification on June 20.
- This agreement is seen as a landmark victory for game industry labor rights.
Why it matters
- This contract reflects a growing trend in the video game industry towards unionization.
- Unionization movements have gained momentum in other tech sectors, influencing labor relations.
- Microsoft's engagement with unions mirrors broader societal shifts towards worker advocacy seen throughout various industries.
The tentative contract for ZeniMax QA testers indicates a significant shift in labor relations within the tech and gaming sectors, setting a precedent for future collective bargaining efforts.