The unionization movement among video game developers has taken yet another large step forward this weekend, as workers from Bethesda Game Studios offices located in Austin and Dallas (Texas) and Rockville (Maryland) have formalized the creation of One BGS USA, a union that falls under the Communication Workers of America (CWA) umbrella.
According to CODE-CWA, this new union is “wall-to-wall,” consisting of 241 developers including artists, engineers, programmers, and designers – not just QA workers – and has been formally recognized by Microsoft.
One BGS expressed solidarity with other unions such as those formed at ZeniMax Online Studios and Bethsoft Montreal in its statement, while also expressing eagerness to form its first union contract with Microsoft.
“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,” reads part of the union’s announcement. “Having a proper seat at the discussion table allows us to turn those wishes into reality.”
We are so incredibly proud and excited to welcome the workers of @OneBGS_USA into our union family! Along with @OneBGS_MTL, the One BGS-CWA union have come together to improve their workplace and the industry as a whole. WORKERS ARE STRONGER TOGETHER! https://t.co/9ChuqRC9FN
— ZeniMax Workers United – CWA (@ZeniMaxWorkers) July 19, 2024
