Workers at Activision Blizzard, represented by the ABK Workers Alliance, plan to strike on July 21, demanding better protections for company employees following the Roe v. Wade, as well as more transparency about how the studio handles internal harassment investigations.
tweeterThe group, which was formed in 2021 in response to a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard for sexual harassment of some of its employees, explains that ABK’s committee against sexual and gender discrimination requires that employees be protected from “external threats, such as the recent Rowe vs. Wade hit, as well as internal threats such as retaliation and workplace harassment.
“In light of recent attacks on the civil liberties of our employees, the employee-led Committee Against Sex and Gender Discrimination has scheduled a strike for July 21, 2022,” ABK writes. “Employees are actively challenging state legislation that puts women, LGBTQ+ employees and their families, and other vulnerable groups at risk.”
Thirteen US states, including Texas and Arkansas, where Activision Blizzard has offices for its publishing arm, began the process of banning abortions after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on July 24. In response, the developer of Call of Duty and World of Warcraft expanded its employee health plans to help workers affected by the bug, and ABK said the company currently offers reimbursements of up to $4,000 to employees seeking medical care outside of the country. of the state. However, the group argues that Activision Blizzard workers are still “subject to prosecution in their home countries” and that travel reimbursements “do not save workers from imminent danger”.
“To understand why this strike is taking place, the company’s current health policy does not sufficiently protect ABK workers,” the group continues. “Our requirements ensure that our workers maintain safe, affordable and legal access to life-saving procedures, such as abortion and trans-affirmative care.”
The walkout is also planned to draw attention to allegations of sexual and gender-based harassment against some Activision Blizzard employees. In June, Activision Blizzard released the results of an internal investigation, saying that despite some cases, there was no evidence of “systemic bullying” within the company. ABK currently requires that employees be included in all future sexual harassment evaluations.
The same day that ABK announced its strike plans, the Los Angeles Times published an interview with Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, who said that the company was “committed” to changing its culture.
“Without a doubt, it affected people,” says Ybarra. “It affected morale. We listen to our employees. I have always firmly believed that when teams have a good culture, creative excellence thrives.
We’ve reached out to Activision Blizzard for comment and will update this story with any new information.
You can keep up to date with all developments related to Activision Blizzard’s ongoing lawsuits by using this explainer article.
Source : PC Gamesn
