Labor Unions Denounce Bobby Kotick's Claims of Fabricated Harassment Allegations at Activision Blizzard

The Communication Workers of America (CWA) has vehemently disputed former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick's assertions that numerous reports of harassment during his tenure were fabricated. In a statement emailed to RPS, a CWA spokesperson characterized Kotick's comments as both insulting to the workers who reported harassment and unsurprising, given his history. The spokesperson emphasized that Kotick's departure and the subsequent unionization of thousands of workers without interference have given employees a voice in the workplace. Kotick's claims were made during an interview on the Grit podcast, where he also disputed the legitimacy of a petition calling for his resignation, signed by over 1,300 employees, and suggested that the CWA initiated complaints after experiencing significant membership losses. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing had previously filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard in July 2021, citing a culture of harassment and discrimination against women. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Kotick was aware of sexual misconduct within the company for years. In May 2023, Kotick attributed the company's image problems to external factors and unionization efforts rather than a toxic workplace culture. By December, he announced his resignation after 30 years. The CWA has labeled Kotick's claims regarding 'fake lawsuits' as false, pointing to an $18 million settlement with the EEOC in 2021 and a subsequent $54 million settlement with the California Civil Rights Department in 2023. The settlements included provisions for anti-harassment training, expanded mental health services, and victim-specific relief. ABetterABK, an advocacy group, has also denounced Kotick's claims, stating that the trauma and abuse experienced by coworkers are real and not part of a strategy to drive union membership. The group emphasized that their union was formed in response to the company's inadequate handling of these situations and a desire to create a better work environment.