Key facts
- Hundreds of Bethesda Game Studios and Zenimax Online Studios employees rallied outside Zenimax headquarters in Rockville, Maryland.
- The protest was organized by Zenimax Workers United and the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
- The union is demanding that Microsoft resume contract negotiations with uncontracted employees.
- Microsoft stated it respects employees' right to make their voices heard and is committed to effects bargaining.
- Employees expressed concerns that the layoffs are impacting the development of key franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
Hundreds of employees from Bethesda Game Studios and Zenimax Online Studios, along with supporters, gathered outside Zenimax headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, to protest recent layoffs across Xbox. The rally, organized by Zenimax Workers United and the Communication Workers of America (CWA), occurred amid nearly 100°F temperatures.
Attendees held signs and listened to speeches from union organizers and employees, emphasizing solidarity and opposition to the job cuts. Bethesda technical producer and union organizer Nathan Hahn stated the goal was to make their opposition visible to Xbox. The union's primary demand is for Microsoft to return to the bargaining table and resume contract negotiations with remaining uncontracted Bethesda employees, citing that a reduction in force proposal was ignored.
A Microsoft spokesperson acknowledged the employees' right to voice concerns and stated the company is committed to effects bargaining and supporting impacted employees. Jay Woodward, an AI programmer laid off after nearly 20 years, expressed hope that union action could break a perceived 'perpetual cycle' of layoffs, especially when the company is performing well.
Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton attended the rally to express support for the workers, highlighting their importance to the local community and economy. She also voiced concerns about jobs moving overseas and the impact of AI across industries. Ashton indicated she would advocate for fairness in employee treatment.
Employees like Juniper Dowell, a quality assurance tester who was laid off, described the current workforce as akin to 'singing with half a choir,' emphasizing the loss of skilled labor and experience. Hahn echoed these concerns, noting that layoffs of experienced staff could hinder the development of key Bethesda franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The mood among remaining employees was described as 'bleak,' with difficulties in maintaining creativity and taking on the responsibilities of departed colleagues.