Staff at ZeniMax Media have expressed their frustration once more at delays in Microsoft bargaining. 

In a post on the Communications Workers of America website, staff said that the Xbox firm's public image is at odds with what they are experiencing behind the scenes. The ZeniMax Workers United bargaining unit was formed in early 2023 by quality assurance workers at the company but two years on, it claims to still not have a union contract with Microsoft. 

All of this comes almost three years after Microsoft entered into a labour neutrality agreement with the CWA, presumably to secure its support in its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. 

“It’s become increasingly clear that although Microsoft tries to position itself as a good-faith employer, there’s another story being told behind the scenes at the bargaining table,” senior QA tester Autumn Mitchell said. 

“We are frustrated. Our union will continue fighting until we secure a first contract, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes—even if that means withholding our labor.”

CWA chief of staff Sylvia J. Ramos added: “We are approaching the three-year anniversary of CWA’s groundbreaking labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft. Thousands of workers have freely and fairly chosen union representation with CWA under the agreement. It’s time for Microsoft’s negotiators to make bargaining contracts with these workers a priority so that together we can fully realise the promise of our partnership.”

In a statement to Game Developer, a Microsoft rep said that the company was focused on securing a deal. 

"We respect the team's right to express their viewpoints and are deeply committed to reaching a fair and equitable resolution that acknowledges the teams' contributions," they said.