Elder Scrolls Online developers vote to unionize
Workers at ZeniMax Online Studios have voted to form a union.
ZOS United-CWA, a union affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, was recognized by Microsoft’s parent company, “signaling a significant victory for workers’ rights in the industry.”
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The union said that together, workers can collectively push for “real improvements in the workplace,” including “job security amid record layoffs, protections from artificial intelligence, and better wages and benefits.”
We have 461 members joining, including web developers, designers, engineers and graphic artists.
The decision to form a union comes after hundreds of ZeniMax employees went on strike last month to protest parent company Microsoft’s outsourcing without negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Today we, the majority of video game workers at ZeniMax Online Studios and the ESO staff, are proud to announce the creation of our union @cwaunion.bsky.social! ✊
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— ZOS United-CWA (@zosunited.bsky.social) December 13, 2024, 12:24 am
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“I’m glad workers finally have a voice in the workplace. Other employers have chosen to humiliate and attack workers who want to collectively improve their working conditions,” said ZOS United-CWA member Billy Eichner.
“However, thanks to the ZeniMax union, we can build a community where we support each other. We’re already working together to make great games. Why not work together to create a great workplace?”
“Today I am very proud of my colleagues at ZeniMax Online Studios as they join thousands of video game workers working to bring greater stability to the industry,” added member John Hartzell. “No matter your studio, your job title or where you come from, unions work for the benefit of us all.”
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