Difficult Working When Facing a Graveyard
Unionization Offers Crucial Support Amidst ZeniMax Layoffs
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The recent wave of layoffs at ZeniMax, following its acquisition by Microsoft, has left many employees facing uncertainty. However, for those who have organized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the presence of a union has provided a vital lifeline during this tumultuous period.
A Beacon of Support in Uncertain Times
“It’s reassuring having an organization like CWA for people during this moment,” stated Branson, a ZeniMax employee. “If we hadn’t organized and if we didn’t have the backing of an outside organization that could fight for the people who have been affected-and those who still retain their jobs-it would be night and day for people.” Branson emphasized the significant impact of the union’s resources, declaring, “It’s incredibly helpful to have their resources behind us during this time. I remain a very, very strong advocate for unionization across, not just the video game industry, but the whole tech industry.”
Collective Action and mutual Aid
Mitchell, another ZeniMax employee, detailed how union members across various divisions have united to support one another. This mutual aid includes practical assistance such as editing resumes, hosting mock interviews, and reviewing portfolios. The goal is to ensure that those whose careers have been disrupted by Microsoft’s actions are not left without support.
Mitchell also acknowledged the bittersweet reality for some union advocates. “We just ratified our first contract. It was a real moment of party for us, but we only had about two weeks to celebrate it,” she explained. “In that regard, it’s hard not to feel like ‘damn, we just went through all of that and now a third of us aren’t going to see this thing in action.'” Despite this setback, she believes their collective efforts lay the groundwork for a more promising future.
Mitchell remains optimistic about the potential for further progress in securing better contract terms and mitigating the impact of layoffs.She highlighted how unions have empowered workers to dismantle dialog barriers between teams and departments, fostering a collective response to challenging situations. Mitchell expressed hope that ZeniMax employees can continue to work together to overcome the adversity caused by Microsoft, stating that her continued employment hinges on this belief.
“I’m still at Microsoft. It’s not like I’m looking for othre work,” Mitchell affirmed. “A lot of us are trying to stay as we believe in making it better. I think that’s vital for anybody who’s reading to understand, especially the executives. If people are sticking around it’s not just because they’re fearful of losing a job. It’s as at some point in time, they have believed in the culture and values that were once created at this place.”
Game Developer has reached out to Microsoft for comment on the situation.