Video Game Studio Employees Strike Amid Sexual Harassment Concerns

 Posted on August 06, 2021 in Main

Activision Blizzard is responsible for some of the most popular video games on the market, including “Candy Crush,” “Call of Duty,” and many more. However, the company’s good reputation has recently been threatened by accusations of discrimination and sexual harassment. Many employees claim that they faced sex-based discrimination, retaliation, and even assault. The company was faced with a discrimination lawsuit on July 20, 2021, but some employees have been less than impressed with the company’s response to the lawsuit.

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing Alleges Harassment and Discrimination

In a suit filed by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), Activision Blizzard has been accused of unfair treatment toward female employees, unequal wages, sexual harassment, and fostering a “frat boy workplace culture.” The lawsuit was filed after a two-year investigation into the company’s alleged discriminatory actions.

Activision initially denied the claims but has since sent an email apologizing to staff and calling the company’s initial response to the allegations “tone deaf.” However, this did not stop staff from staging a walkout on July 28.

Employees Claim that Marginalized Staff Received Unfair and Disrespectful Treatment

Activision Blizzard’s staff is only about 20 percent women, and some employees claim that women were regularly paid less than male staff members and denied promotions in favor of men.  Employees are demanding fair treatment and better working conditions for transgender women, women of color, and other marginalized groups.  

Additionally, employees demand greater transparency regarding salaries and pay rates and termination of the company’s mandatory arbitration policy. They also want the company to revise hiring policies and procedures, promotion policies, and hire a third party to evaluate reporting policies and practices.

Contact a Wheaton Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Lawyer

Federal and state law protects employees’ right to be free from sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. If you have been discriminated against, subjected to sexual harassment, or you were retaliated against after reporting sexual harassment or discrimination, you should know that there are legal options at your disposal.

Employers who receive discrimination complaints are required to address the complaints and take the necessary corrective action. If an employer fails to take appropriate action or retaliates against an employee for reporting sexual harassment or discriminatory actions, the employer may be liable for damages. The employee may be entitled to compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Call Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC at 630-665-7300 to learn more. Schedule your confidential consultation with one of our skilled Wheaton discrimination lawyers today.

Source:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/03/tech/activision-blizzard-employee-backlash-kotick/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-57929543

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-27/blizzard-employees-call-for-strike-after-discrimination-lawsuit