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Activision Blizzard accused of threatening staff to halt talk about wages and work conditions

The complaint claims Activision Blizzard "has engaged in and is engaging in unfair labor practises"

Chris Kerr, News Editor

May 2, 2022

1 Min Read
The Activision Blizzard logo

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed an unfair labor charge against Activision Blizzard, and alleges the publisher told employees they shouldn't discuss their working conditions in digital channels such as Slack.

As spotted by The Verge, the complaint claims Activision Blizzard "has engaged in and is engaging in unfair labor practises" after a manager "threatened employees" to prevent them talking about issues relating to wage hours and working conditions.

The CWA, which filed the unfair labor charge (PDF version) on April 28, 2022, claims such behaviour violates sections 8(a)(1) (2) (3) and (4) of the National Labor Relations Act.

Activision Blizzard is in crisis mode after an onslaught of misconduct allegations -- including some against senior figures like CEO Bobby Kotick -- and government investigations into an alleged "frat boy" culture at the Call of Duty publisher.

Despite the sense of cultural malaise enveloping the company, Microsoft is currently attempting to purchase Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $68.7 billion

Last week, Activision Blizzard shareholders approved Microsoft's offer, meaning regulators can now pass judgement on the mammoth acquisition.

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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