U.S. video game QA testers strike against Microsoft’s outsourcing plans
MARYLAND, UNITED STATES — Hundreds of Bethesda video game workers across the United States have gone on strike, protesting Microsoft’s decision to outsource quality assurance (QA) work without union approval.
According to an Inverse report, the strike involves employees in Maryland and Texas and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing labor dispute between Microsoft-owned ZeniMax and the nation’s largest video game union.
The union, which was formed in January 2023, represents over 300 QA workers who have been negotiating for better job protections and work conditions.
Union seeks limits on outsourcing QA jobs
Bethesda Softworks is a renowned video game publisher that operates under its parent company, ZeniMax Media. In 2021, Microsoft completed its $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax, bringing Bethesda and its associated studios into Microsoft’s Xbox team.
The primary grievance driving the strike is Microsoft’s decision to outsource QA work without consulting the union. The union is pushing to limit the percentage of outsourced QA jobs in comparison to full-time positions within the bargaining unit.
In October, the union filed an unfair labor complaint against ZeniMax, accusing the company of failing to negotiate in good faith.
“They have continually given us their first proposal again and again,” said Rhyanna Eichner, a quality assurance test lead at Bethesda. “It’s become obvious that our different mobilization tactics have not worked.”
The union has been reluctant to share detailed bargaining updates but has made it clear that outsourcing is a key issue that needs to be addressed.
Push for remote work flexibility
In addition to concerns over outsourcing, the union is also advocating for more flexible remote work policies.
Currently, ZeniMax requires employees to be in the office two days a week, but many workers have had their requests for full-time remote work denied.
Senior QA tester Juniper Dowell expressed concern about how stricter office requirements could impact employees hired during the pandemic’s remote work years.
“Several testers would be forced to move or find a new job if they had to come into the office all five days a week,” Dowell noted.
Microsoft responds to strike
Microsoft has acknowledged the strike but remains committed to continuing negotiations with the union.
“We respect our employees’ rights to express their point of view as they have done today,” said Microsoft spokesperson Becca Dougherty in a statement. “We will continue to listen and address their concerns at the bargaining table.”
Despite some progress in negotiations, union leaders described the one-day strike as necessary to push forward their demands for better working conditions and job security.
“Everybody understands that this needs to happen,” Eichner added. “We’re all just kind of ready for it.”
