Activision Blizzard accused of spying on protesting employees | Engadget

Activision Blizzard continues to be receiving complaints over alleged labor violations. The Communications Workers of America union (CWA) has filed an unfair labor apply cost accusing the sport developer of illegally surveilling employees throughout a July walkout protest over gender inequity. The firm additionally denied entry to a chat channel discussing working circumstances and in any other case reduce off inner avenues for discussing labor, the CWA mentioned.

We’ve requested Activision Blizzard for remark. The firm beforehand mentioned it was cooperating with investigations into its office practices and has argued that workers may converse freely about their office conditions. However, the CWA maintained that the Call of Duty writer has made “continued efforts” to stifle labor organizers, equivalent to refusing to acknowledge a high quality assurance union and hiring the union-busting regulation agency Reed Smith.

The cost is the newest in a string of labor-related accusations past the sexual harassment scandal that started a lot of the present uproar. The CWA filed a cost in June claiming Activision Blizzard broke labor regulation by firing QA contractors. In May, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decided there was advantage behind allegations the corporate was threatening labor organizers. Multiple studies have additionally circulated claiming that the gaming large has been pushing anti-union messages.

The new grievance would not essentially change Activision Blizzard’s predicament. The firm dangers penalties and necessary coverage adjustments if it is discovered to be violating labor regulation. The cost provides additional strain, nonetheless, and will form potential punishment.