Activision Blizzard Workers Deserve Good Working Conditions
Microsoft deciding to purchase Activision Blizzard for almost $70 billion is obviously big news. However, it shouldn’t overshadow the fact that the workers at Activision Blizzard are still fighting for better working conditions. They don’t want to wait, and they shouldn’t have to.
Employee activist group ABetterABK had this to say, “The news of Activision’s acquisition by Microsoft is surprising, but does not change the goals of the ABK Worker’s Alliance. We remain committed to fighting for workplace improvements and the rights of our employees regardless of who is financially in control of the company.
“We will continue to work alongside our allies across the gaming industry to push for measurable change in an industry that desperately needs it. We called for the removal of Bobby Kotick as CEO in November for shielding abusers, and he still remains CEO as of this writing.”
Thankfully with this acquisition, it does sound like Bobby Kotic is done. As he should be. He should have been removed or left as soon as the abuse stories broke. At best, he is an incompetent leader who failed those who work for them by allowing a culture of abuse.
Activision working conditions obviously need improved. I hope that Microsoft will bring some positive change, but it shouldn’t take a $70 billion deal to happen. It is a shame that people have had to scrap and fight this hard for just basic working conditions.
I hope the employees at Activision Blizzard are able to get the better working conditions they deserve. I hope they are able to unionize despite the best efforts of their leadership. Only time will tell if this change was a positive one for the workers or if they will be stuck in the same position with leaders that have failed them every step of the way.