NLRB Accuses Activision Blizzard of Spying on Workers

The three charges

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against Activision Blizzard, alleging that the company illegally surveilled employees and violated labor laws by threatening to shut down company communication channels. The complaint stems from a case filed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) against Activision Blizzard.

• Surveillance: The first charge relates to an incident on July 21, 2022, when employees staged a walkout to protest the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The CWA alleges that Activision Blizzard illegally surveilled employees “through managers and security” during this protected labor activity.
• Threat to communication channels: The second charge involves Activision Blizzard allegedly threatening to cut off access to certain internal communication channels “because employees are discussing wages, hours, and working conditions.”
• Shutting down chat during all-hands meeting: The NLRB dismissed a third charge related to an all-hands meeting where employees discussed wages and working conditions. The CWA alleged that Blizzard violated Section 7 rights by shutting down the chat during the meeting. However, the NLRB determined that this action did not violate employee organizing rights.

Blizzard vs. the CWA

Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations, claiming that the shutdown of the all-hands chat was done to protect employees from “toxic workplace behavior.” The company also referred to the remaining allegations as “false claims.” The CWA, on the other hand, maintains that Activision Blizzard is using its platforms and tools to “coerce and intimidate workers exercising their protected right to organize.”

This is not the first time the NLRB has investigated Activision Blizzard for alleged labor law violations. Other charges include allegations of illegally firing two QA workers and engaging in illegally coercive actions and statements. The company is also facing a lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment for women, along with various labor actions, including walkouts, unionization efforts, and a lawsuit.

The NLRB’s complaint against Activision Blizzard highlights the ongoing tension between the company and its employees who are seeking to organize and improve their working conditions. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for other companies facing similar allegations and for the future of labor organizing in the video game industry.