Microsoft to convert contractor group to unionized full-timers
Microsoft is converting a cohort of contracted game workers into unionized staffers.
As reported by Bloomberg, the ZeniMax Workers United group of 77 will see 23 staffers become full-time employees. They will receive a wage increase of 22%.
The others will gain temporary roles at the tech giant, with $2.75 hourly raises, as well as paid sick days.
In a statement sent to Bloomberg, Microsoft vice president Amy Pannoni said, "We look forward to continued good faith negotiations as we work towards a collective bargaining agreement," Microsoft Vice President Amy Pannoni said in an emailed statement."
In January, Zenimax Workers United and the Communications Workers of America announced that a supermajority of roughly 300 QA developers across Zenimax's US operations favored unionization.
Microsoft recognized the union and has been in negotiations since April, according to the CWA. As a part of those talks, Microsoft agreed that a group of 77 contractors would become staffers represented by the union.
Back in October, the tech firm reiterated its labor neutrality agreement after acquiring Activision Blizzard.
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