Developers at Bethesda Game Studios cut across designers, programmers, engineers, and artists, have declared their interest to form a union through an online portal. The move was hailed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) as the first wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft video game studio.
Microsoft has recognized the union which the members have named OneBGS USA. The union covers Bethesda Game Studios’ workers in Austin, Dallas, and Rockville. Senior System Designer Mandi Parker who is also a member of CWA expressed excitement about the development.
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“We are so excited to announce our union at Bethesda Game Studio and join the movement sweeping across the video game industry,” Parker said. “It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job.”
“We’re thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives, and the company as a whole.”
Bethesda Game Studios is known for making highly popular franchises like Elder Scrolls, Starfield, and Fallout. The workers at Bethesda Game Studios join a growing number of video game workers who have formed a union in response to the growing hostility towards developers in the industry.
Developers at Activision Blizzard, SEGA of America, Tender Claws, and ZeniMax have all unionized. OneBGS USA will be a member of CWA Locals 2108 in Maryland and 6215 in Texas. Speaking about the development, the president of CWA Local 2108 Johnny Brown emphasized the importance of unionizing.
“In a groundbreaking achievement, the dedicated professionals at Bethesda Game Studios have demonstrated that, no matter your job title, you too can benefit from having a union,” said Brown. “Through securing a protected voice on the job, workers are taking a step forward to negotiating better working conditions, helping to raise standards across the industry.”
Ron Swaggerty, the president of CWA Local 6215 also hailed the developers at Bethesda Game Studios saying they “are looking forward to meeting Microsoft at the bargaining table to secure a fair union contract.
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“The labor movement in the South is strong and growing,” Swaggerty said. “As the video game and tech industries continue to expand in Texas, it is critical that workers have a protected voice on the job to ensure they receive their fair share.”
Workers at Bethesda Game Studios in Montreal have also filed union recognition with the Quebec Labor Relations Board. The filing happened in late June and CWA Canada would represent them.
Bethesda Game Studios union shares their goal
Soon after the formation of the union, they created an account on X where they shared their goals. In the first of a four-part tweet, the union said, “Together as #OneBGSUSA, we advocate for the betterment of every developer at BGS, setting the new standard for our industry”.
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“As a democratic organization, we seek to empower the collective wishes of our studios’ workers; having a safe, sustainable, and equitable work environment for all. Having a proper seat at the discussion table allows us to turn those wishes into reality.
“Joining in solidarity with our fellow members at @ZeniMaxWorkers, @OneBGS_MTL, and all of @CWAUnion, we push for increased job security, compensation transparency, and flexibility to continue creating the games we love.
“As we work towards our first contract with Microsoft, we hope you’ll join us in voicing your support as we serve as an example for all, into the next era of game development.”
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