ABK Strike Fund

In June 2021, an article was published which highlighted the abuse, harassment and discrimination that occurred within Activision-Blizzard's offices. Since then, Activision-Blizzard leaders have continually abused, union-busted, and remained apathetic to the wishes of workers.

 

In the months since, we've seen CEO Bobby Kotick and the Board of Directors protect abusers and only hold perpetrators accountable after the events were brought to light by outside media. We've seen Activision hire law firm WilmerHale, known for union busting, to disrupt and impede the improvement efforts of Activision-Blizzard workers. We've seen Raven Software workers lured by the promise of promotion, only to be terminated shortly after relocation on top of the already underappreciated and severely underpaid working conditions of ABK workers across the company. These, and many other events have caused an alliance of Activision-Blizzard employees to initiate a work stoppage until demands are met and worker representation is finally given a place within the company.

 

After everything, the Board of Directors still claims to remain confident in Kotick's unfit and unproductive leadership. The Board of Directors includes: Reveta Bowers, Robert Corti, Hendrik Hartong III, Brian Kelly, Bobby Kotick, Barry Meyer, Robert Morgado, Peter Nolan, Dawn Ostroff, Casey Wasserman.

 

 

Funds Distribution:

Prior to disbursement, funds will be held in an account overseen by a dedicated committee of ABK workers, who will ensure that all funds are distributed fairly, and appropriately to support our striking coworkers. Funds will be used first and foremost to assist with wages during the ongoing strike, as well as assisting with relocation of any Raven QA who had moved unassisted at the behest of A/B/K. Should any funds remain, they will be held for use in future collective actions to have our voices heard by the company.

 

Fundraiser Organization:

Jessica Gonzalez is a founding member of the ABK Worker's Alliance, and a prominent voice in the fight to end abuse in the gaming industry.  She organized this fundraiser with a committee of ABK workers dedicated to ensuring the funds get to the workers who need them.

 

Timeline of Events:

 

• On July 20th, 2021, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard over allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation exhibited within the company. The lawsuit describes a “pervasive frat boy workplace culture” at Activision Blizzard that enables the harassment of women and minorities.

• On July 22nd, 2021, former Homeland Security Advisor to George W. Bush and executive sponsor of ABK Women’s Network sent out a scathing internal email stating that the lawsuit “presented a distorted and untrue picture of our company, including factually incorrect, old, and out of context stories– some from more than a decade ago.” This email was later found to be written by CEO Bobby Kotick.

• On July 24, 2021, former Blizzard Executives apologize for failing employees including Mike Morhaime and Chris Metzen.

• On July 25, 2021, Senior System Designer on World of Warcraft says ‘Almost No Work is Being Done on World of Warcraft’ following
lawsuit.

• On July 27, 2021, World of Warcraft will remove inappropriate references from WoW and WoW Classic. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick issues a response, calling the company’s initial statement ‘Tone Deaf’.

• On July 27, 2021 Activision Blizzard Employees announce that a walkout will be staged in protest of the response from company leadership regarding the lawsuit.

• On July 28, 2021 Activision Blizzard Employees stage their walkout and list out 4 demands.

• On July 29, 2021, the firing of Former Senior Creative Director Alex Afrasiabi was confirmed by Activision Blizzard. Afrasiabi was a known sexual harasser.

• On July 31, 2021, Emily Mitchell, a security researcher, posted her experience with harassment. In this story, she details that, while at a job fair, she was asked by Blizzard employees “when was the last time she was personally penetrated.”

• On August 3, 2021 - Blizzard President J. Allen Brack steps down. At the same time Activision Blizzard employees form the ABK Workers Alliance.

• On August 6, 2021, Activision Blizzard faces fallout as advertisers ‘Reevaluate’ Overwatch League relationship.

• On August 10, 2021 the investment group and shareholder, SOC, of Activision Blizzard criticizes the company and makes demands for proper change.

• On August 11, 2021, three senior Blizzard developers leave the company: Luis Barriga, Jesse McCree, and Jonathan LeCraft.

• On August 25th, 2021, the California of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) updated the lawsuit to add temporary workers to the original complaint, and also added that the company had not been maintaining documents and records as required by law. In fact, they state that HR had been shredding documents.

• On August 27, 2021, the Overwatch team announces they will change the name of the character known as Jesse McCree following the exit of Jesse McCree, a well-known senior game developer.

• On September 14, 2021, the company announced that they had hired Julie Hodges, a former Disney executive to head HR and rebuild trust.

• On September 20, 2021, the SEC investigating Activision Blizzard subpoenas Bobby Kotick.

• On September 21, 2021, Blizzard’s Chief Legal Officer, Claire Hart, and Overwatch Executive Producer, Chako Sonny, leave Blizzard.

•On September 27, 2021, Activision Blizzard settles U.S. Equal Opportunity commission lawsuit for $18 million.

 

Resources:

Timeline of events; the story so far: https://www.ign.com/articles/activision-blizzard-lawsuit-timeline-the-story-so-far

 

The board members of Activision-Blizzard: https://kotaku.com/lets-meet-the-board-members-supporting-besieged-activis-1848079283

Game Worker Solidarity: https://gameworkersolidarity.com/?company=Activision+Blizzard