ZeniMax QA Workers Reach Historic Tentative Union Contract With Microsoft

Over 300 quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Media have reached a tentative contract agreement with Microsoft after nearly two years of negotiations.

It’s a major milestone—marking the first-ever union contract at a Microsoft gaming studio.

The deal involves ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, the union representing QA testers who work on some of Microsoft’s biggest titles, like Starfield and DOOM: The Dark Ages. These workers made history back in January 2023 when they voted to unionize—becoming the first group at Microsoft to do so.

Negotiations began in late 2023 but faced significant obstacles along the way. Earlier this year, union leadership even authorized a strike against Microsoft.

Major Contract Benefits

This new agreement comes with some big wins for the team. According to the Communications Workers of America, it includes solid wage increases for everyone, plus higher minimum salaries to help raise the bar across the board.

It’s not just about pay, either. The contract also introduces stronger job protections—like safeguards against unfair firings—and outlines formal grievance procedures, so workers now have a clear process for voicing and resolving workplace issues.

A standout addition is a crediting policy that ensures QA testers get recognized for their contributions to game development. This is a big deal, considering QA workers have often been overlooked when it comes to game credits.

Artificial Intelligence Protections

With AI becoming more integrated into the workplace, the contract directly addresses how it will be handled. Microsoft and ZeniMax agreed that AI should support workers—not replace or harm them.

As part of the deal, ZeniMax has to notify the union when AI might impact workers’ roles. If needed, the company will sit down with the union to discuss the effects.

Microsoft's Growing Union Presence

ZeniMax Workers United is part of a growing wave of union activity inside Microsoft’s gaming empire. In just the past year, new unions have popped up at other Microsoft-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios and ZeniMax Online Studios. Even teams behind Overwatch 2 and World of Warcraft have organized.

Interestingly, Microsoft’s approach to unionization has been relatively hands-off. The company voluntarily recognized the ZeniMax union as part of its neutrality policy, which it introduced during the Activision Blizzard King acquisition process.

What’s Next?

Over the coming weeks, workers will attend contract explanation meetings to go over the fine print. A final vote to ratify the contract is scheduled for June 20, 2025. That’s when union members will officially decide whether to accept the terms.

Mike Davis, Vice President of CWA District 2-13, sounded hopeful about what comes next. He said this agreement lays the groundwork for more organizing across Microsoft’s other gaming divisions.