In an unusual industry move, Microsoft Corp. is in the process of transitioning a group of its subcontracted temporary staff into unionized positions. This decision expands the grasp of organized labor within one of the world’s largest software companies. According to an article by Bloomberg Law, the primary focus of this action will be in Microsoft’s gaming department.
Microsoft broke new ground earlier this year when they agreed to collectively bargain with a labor union – ZeniMax Workers United, an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This agreement effectively gave the union representation over approximately 300 quality assurance workers associated with a Microsoft-owned video game studio. The negotiations for the union contract have reportedly been ongoing since April, as told by the CWA.
As part of these ongoing negotiations, Microsoft has further confirmed that an additional 77 contract staff, who perform work very similar to those represented by ZeniMax Workers United, will become unionized employees. Along with this change in status, these employees will also receive additional benefits and pay raises, which is a major win for these workers in the gaming industry.
Transitioning subcontracted temps into unionized roles is a significant departure from standard industry practice. It demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to improving working conditions and, more broadly, empowering its employee base in direct negotiations with the company. It remains to be seen how this development impacts the wider tech and gaming industry.