Activision Blizzard accused of surveilling protesting workers

Ruh-roh.

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) union has accused Activision Blizzard of surveilling workers who were protesting the publisher over gender inequity back in July of this year.

The union has specifically stated that Activision Blizzard “engaged in illegal surveillance of workers during the July walkout to end gender inequity, cut off access to a chat channel where workers were discussing wages, hours and working conditions, and threatened to shut down other internal channels of communication where workers discussed labor issues.”

This new charge follows an early one made by the CWA that accused the publisher of telling its workers they “could not discuss issues related to the sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit filed by the state of California against the company”.

“Activision Blizzard has spent the last year violating U.S. labor law and using intimidation tactics to deter workers from organizing for better wages and respect on the job. These union-busting tricks have only strengthened Activision workers’ resolve to exercise their rights and transform the video game industry for the better,” said Tom Smith, CWA national organizing director.

“Despite our many attempts to negotiate in good faith, Activision Blizzard has doubled down on their anti-worker behavior. We are confident the National Labor Relations Board will recognize that Activision is engaged in a systematic campaign to undermine the law and protect these workers’ rights to organize without interference from union-busting managers.”

We’ll keep you informed as we learn more.