Video Game Testers open union in U. S.
2023.01.03 14:10
Video Game Testers open union in U. S.
Budrigannews.com – A group of approximately 300 video game testers employed by Microsoft Corp. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) announced on Tuesday that subsidiary Zenimax Studios has decided to join the union. This is a first for the tech giant in the United States.
The CWA stated that Zenimax employees at four locations in Texas and Maryland overwhelmingly supported union membership, but it did not provide a total. Major game franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls are owned by Zenimax.
When contacted for comment, Microsoft did not immediately respond. It has stated that if the workers vote to unionize, it will voluntarily recognize the union.
Microsoft can avoid a formal election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board and the associated legal battles by voluntary agreeing to bargain.
In a statement, CWA President Christopher Shelton said that Microsoft stood out from other tech companies that discourage union campaigns.
Shelton stated, “Microsoft is charting a different course that will strengthen its corporate culture and ability to serve its customers, and should serve as a model for the industry and as a blueprint for regulators.”
Activision Blizzard Inc. (NASDAQ:) has signed an agreement with the CWA to remain neutral in union organizing campaigns. which it is Microsoft’s intention to acquire for $69 billion. Last month, U.S. regulators filed a lawsuit to stop the deal.
Activision’s Blizzard Albany and Raven (NASDAQ:) game testers The CWA claims that Software has threatened and retaliated against union supporters, and in 2022, Software voted to join a union. The company has denied any wrongdoing.
More Overview of shares of Tesla, PayPal, Holdings and others
