Current employees at Activision Blizzard are planning a walkout in protest of the actions highlighted in the company’s recent discrimination lawsuit issued by the state of California for allegedly harboring a “breeding ground for harassment.”
On July 28, employees at Activision Blizzard have scheduled a walkout to protest the company’s actions. The walkout is scheduled to take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET, outside of Blizzard’s main offices in Irvine, California. For those who cannot attend the walkout in Irvine, the employees will be using the hashtag #ActiBlizzWalkout, which individuals can use in solidarity with the cause. The organizers are also asking that supporters donate to charities including Futures Without Violence, Girls Who Code, RAINN and more.
Activision Blizzard lawsuit filed by California
The lawsuit against Activision Blizzard was filed on July 22 by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. It described the company’s culture as something that allowed for gender-based discrimination and constant sexual harassment. The two-year investigation into Activision Blizzard found that women were allegedly held back from promotions for various reasons. These reasons included the possibility that they may eventually take maternity leave.
In addition to the walkout, to raise awareness for the alleged harassment and discrimination against women, those protesting have issued demands for the company. These demands challenge leadership to end its mandatory arbitration clauses in contracts, create new hiring and promotion processes, publish a report regarding the data regarding relative compensation of all genders and ethnicities at the company, and hire a third party to audit Activision Blizzard’s reporting structure, department, and executive staff.
Multiple individuals have spoken out against Activision Blizzard, including former employees. Current franchised teams within the Call of Duty and Overwatch League have also taken to social media to share their stance. Furthermore, over 1,000 individuals have signed an open letter in support of the lawsuit.
