ZeniMax QA Workers Reach Tentative Agreement On Industry-First Union Contract

Over 300 quality assurance (QA) workers at ZeniMax Media, a Microsoft-owned company, have reached a tentative agreement on their very first union contract after nearly two years of negotiating.

These workers, part of ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, are making history with what’s considered the first big union contract of its kind in the gaming world. The agreement includes big pay bumps, new minimum salaries, protections from unfair firings, a formal way to handle grievances, and policies to make sure QA teams get proper credit for their work. It also puts some rules in place around how artificial intelligence can be used at work.

“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.”

In an industry that’s often criticized for not valuing behind-the-scenes work, union leaders and bargaining team members say this contract sets a new standard for fairness, respect, and equity. It’s part of a bigger wave of game workers across the country pushing back against low pay and job insecurity by organizing and standing together.

Next, workers will get a breakdown of what’s in the contract before a vote to approve it, which is expected by June 20. CWA leaders say this is just the start, too — with more than 2,000 Microsoft game workers already unionizing through a neutrality agreement, they believe this win lays the groundwork for even more organizing and change across the video game industry.