ZeniMax Workers United, representing about 300 quality assurance workers at Bethesda's parent company, has overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike against Microsoft if contract negotiations fail, with over 94% support for this decision.

Negotiations for a first contract have been ongoing for nearly two years, focusing on key issues such as better wages, workplace improvements, and concerns over outsourcing without union notification.

Workers are demanding better wages, improved workplace conditions, and remote work options, while also expressing concerns about the outsourcing of in-house quality assurance jobs without prior notification to the union.

Despite Microsoft's assertions of progress in negotiations, union members, including Aubrey Litchfield, have criticized the company's wage practices as inadequate for a corporation of its size.

Complicating the labor landscape, SAG-AFTRA members are currently on strike over AI-related issues in the video game industry, highlighting broader labor tensions.

Upcoming releases from Bethesda, including 'Doom: The Dark Ages' in May 2025, raise concerns that a strike could delay production and affect game development timelines.

The historical exploitation of QA testers in the gaming industry is underscored by their long hours and low pay, as they play a crucial role in ensuring game quality.

Microsoft claims to have presented a fair proposal that includes immediate compensation increases and enhanced benefits, aligning with their hybrid work model.

The union, part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), was recognized by Microsoft in 2023, making it the first union to achieve this status within the company.

Previously, union members staged a one-day walkout in December 2024 due to concerns over outsourcing and return-to-office policies, which prompted the CWA to file an unfair labor practice charge against Microsoft.

While the specifics of the contract negotiations remain undisclosed, the union is pushing back against Microsoft's hybrid work model, which many workers find inadequate.

Union representatives emphasize the need for livable wages, citing financial struggles faced by employees that significantly impact their personal lives.