The involved parties have tentatively agreed on a crucial aspect of the treaty, focusing on the utilization of artificial intelligence. This agreement marks a significant milestone for the first U.S. union representing Microsoft and the tech giant as they continue discussions regarding an initial labor agreement.
The Elder Scrolls Online and DOOM: Eternal developer coalition, ZeniMax Studios, has agreed that Microsoft will “bargain those effect upon request” and inform the labor party about any potential impacts of AI on employees’ work. Additionally, the parties have established six core “guiding principles” concerning AI in collaboration with the employer. The union asserts that these principles aim to encourage the use of AI in ways that enhance and support human labor rather than disrupt it. These principles emphasize that technology should be “fair,” “reliable and safe,” “private and secure,” “inclusive,” transparent, and “accountable.”
Representing 376 quality assurance (QA) contractors and professionals, the ZeniMax union, affiliated with the Communication Workers of America, emerged in January and has now become Microsoft’s primary domestic union. This union is reportedly the first within the video game industry to reach an agreement with management regarding AI usage.
Microsoft has been approached by The Hollywood Reporter for comment.
Dylan Burton, a prominent QA tester for ZeniMax, expressed the importance of the agreement, stating, “For us, reaching this deal was a top concern. Although it’s difficult to predict how AI advancements will affect our work, the agreement will help safeguard us as we navigate the potential integration of AI into our workflow.”
Negotiations between Microsoft and the ZeniMax coalition have been ongoing since April for a second contract. Once a tentative agreement is reached, members will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement’s general terms, including its provisions on AI.
The news of Microsoft partnering with the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union in the United States, on AI initiatives coincides with recent media reports. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge exchange between business and labor entities on AI advancements, involve workers in AI system development, and collaborate on public policy. As part of the agreement, Microsoft commits to maintaining a neutral stance on employee organizing efforts by AFL-CIO member unions. Notable unions like SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild of America East, and IATSE are all affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The partnership is set to commence in early 2024.
In 2022, Microsoft, a prominent software company, reached a work neutrality agreement with the CWA concerning Activision Blizzard employees. With the completion of this significant technology agreement, Microsoft is expected to implement it later this month, preventing strong opposition to union organizing efforts at the video game developer.
