Bethesda accused of unfair treatment of Canadian workers

Bethesda Game Studios faces a complaint for unfair labor practices from CWA Canada, a union representing 6,000 workers. The complaint was filed on March 18. The union claims that the company is treating its Canadian workers as "second-class citizens." CWA Canada alleges that Bethesda, owned by Microsoft since 2021, is negotiating in bad faith. According to the union, the company has imposed arbitrary limits on who can represent workers at the bargaining table. They say this makes negotiations harder for Canadian employees. The union also states that Bethesda has not provided important information about employee bonuses and pay equity plans. They argue that this information is vital for effective bargaining. The complaint highlights a significant difference in treatment between U.S. and Canadian employees. It claims that Bethesda has been more open with U.S. workers and has reached tentative agreements with them while leaving Canadian staff in the dark. Union members find Bethesda's lack of collaboration disrespectful. CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth criticized the company for its handling of Canadian employees’ concerns. The Canada Industrial Relations Board defines unfair labor practices as actions that hinder union representation or employee rights. Bethesda has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.