Activision Blizzard accused of employee intimidation, union busting

Activision Blizzard has been accused of intimidating staff trying to unionize, organizers mentioned, simply months after the US online game maker confronted a state lawsuit over poisonous office claims.

In August the corporate behind “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” promised change with a administration shakeup following long-running allegations of sexism and discrimination.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) mentioned Tuesday that they had “formally filed ULP (unfair labor practice) charges against the company for worker intimidation and union busting.”

In an announcement, the union mentioned workers had launched a “Better ABK” marketing campaign following a July criticism, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing the agency of getting fostered a poisonous tradition of harassment and sexism.

It was a part of staff’ “strategic organizing effort to unite developers behind a shared set of concerns.”

The CWA mentioned Activision Blizzard was “using coercive tactics to attempt to prevent its employees from exercising their rights.”

“Management could have responded with humility and a willingness to take necessary steps to address the horrid conditions some ABK workers have faced,” mentioned Tom Smith, CWA’s nationwide organizing director.

“Instead Activision Blizzard’s response to righteous worker activity was surveillance, intimidation, and hiring notorious union busters.”

The allegations observe a walk-out earlier this yr to protest sexism and harassment.

In August, the agency unveiled a administration shakeup and launched what it promised can be a far-reaching evaluate of its office practices after the California state lawsuit.

© 2021 AFP