Unions criticize Bobby Kotick for describing harassment reports at Activision Blizzard as "fake"

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) has criticized former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick for dismissing reports of harassment during his tenure as "fake."

A representative for the CWA conveyed to RPS via email that Kotick's claims on a billionaires-focused podcast were offensive to those who reported harassment and predictable. The spokesperson added that despite Kotick's claims, employees have successfully organized unions under CWA without obstruction and now have a say in their workplaces.

During the Grit podcast interview, Kotick dismissed the validity of the petition for his resignation signed by 1,300 workers, labeling it "fake." He also suggested that these complaints were part of an agenda by the CWA, allegedly motivated by membership losses.

In July 2021, Activision Blizzard faced a lawsuit from The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing over allegations of harassment and discrimination against women. Later that year, The Wall Street Journal reported Kotick's longstanding awareness of misconduct issues at the company.

In May 2023, Kotick attributed the company's image issues not to internal culture problems but to external influences and union supporters. By December, Kotick announced his resignation from his role after three decades.

The CWA spokesperson reiterated to RPS that Kotick's statements about "fake lawsuits" are untrue.

In 2021, Activision settled an $18 million lawsuit with the EEOC after being accused of harassment and discrimination. Kotick issued an apology for the misconduct occurring under his leadership.

As part of the settlement, the company committed to implementing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training, enhancing mental health support, and providing specific relief for victims, as detailed by the EEOC’s announcement in March 2022.

In 2023, Activision reached a $54 million agreement with the California Civil Rights Department, formerly known as the California State Department of Fair Employment and Housing, to address issues related to gender discrimination and pay disparities.

ABetterABK emphasized that the suffering experienced by employees, including discrimination and abuse, was genuine and not a strategy to boost union membership.

ABetterABK further criticized executives for their inadequate response to these serious situations, leading workers to advocate for themselves and strive for a workplace that aligns with core values and mutual protection.

The group also countered the common myth fostered by companies during union drives that unions are external entities imposing changes. They stated, "Workers are the union," and emphasized their dedication to enhancing their workplace.