Union pressure forces Activision-Blizzard to disclose details of workers’ union rights
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed multiple unfair labor practices charges against Activision-Blizzard, but at least three of these ongoing ULPs have now done so canceled by the union as a result of some changes the game studio made in response.
The ULPs in question were related to allegations of “corporate interference in and surveillance of protected concerted activities” made by the CWA in 2022 and found to be well founded by the National Labor Relations Board. This, in turn, has required ActiBlizz to agree to a company-wide notice informing workers of their union rights. In addition, disciplinary proceedings against one employee were lifted.
While the CWA dropped charges related to this matter as a result of this agreement, the union notes that other ULPs are active, including those associated with Blizzard’s attempts to disrupt Raven Software union formationDenial of raises for unionized workers offered to other QA employees, and allegations that Blizzard “withheld benefits and solicited grievances in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.”
The CWA also had some apt words for the silky smooth Bobby Kotick interview Variety farted out last week, saying in a statement that his comments were “bumping” and a distraction from his responsibilities to workers and the media, and while the CWA noted Blizzard and the QA workers union formed at the Albany studio have begun finalizing tentative collective bargaining agreements. The union also says Kotick’s comments could jeopardize the process. “What happens next is up to Activision-Blizzard,” the statement concludes.
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