The change comes after the publisher planned to drop a company-wide policy.
Activision Blizzard will let its development studios dictate their own COVID vaccine policies following backlash from an announcement that it would drop a company-wide mandate.
The situation developed over the weekend here in Australia, as Activision Blizzard exec Brian Bulatao emailed employees that the need for a vaccination was no longer required, effective immediately, to work at the company. The announcement came at the same time employees began a months-long transition to working back within office spaces.
In response, the Activision Blizzard Workers Alliance (or ABK Alliance) detailed plans to walkout over the removal of a vaccine reqiurement. The organisation also demanded opportunities for remote working arrangements for each employee.
Following the news that studios could create their own mandates, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra told his staff in an email that vaccine requirements would remain in place “for at least the next few months.” According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Ybarra also stated that at least 80% of Blizzard staff had already uploaded proof of their vaccination.
“The health and safety of our employees is at the absolute forefront of everything we do, including our return to office policy,” Activision Blizzard told Polygon in a statement. “While Activision Blizzard’s U.S. vaccine mandate has been lifted, for the majority of our employees, we are still operating under a voluntary return to office opportunity. In addition, employees who are not comfortable returning to the office are encouraged to work with their manager and our HR team to explore options for working arrangements that suit their individual situations. We will continue to monitor conditions and make adjustments to the policy as needed.
“We recognize some employees may be participating in a walkout to express their views. The company supports our employees’ right to express their opinions in a safe and nonthreatening way, and will not retaliate for any decision to participate in this walkout. The company also hopes that those who walk out will conduct themselves in a legal, safe, and nonviolent manner.”
We’ll keep you informed as the situation progresses.
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