Activision Blizzard QA Staff Walk Out Over Return-to-Office Mandate

Activision Blizzard’s QA department in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has staged a walkout in protest of the company’s return-to-office mandate. The protest, supported by the Communications Workers of America union and Activision workers group ABetterABK, alleges the company is refusing accommodations for remote work, even for employees with serious medical conditions.

Key Points

1. QA staff walk out over return-to-office mandate.
2. ABetterABK claims Activision Blizzard refuses remote work accommodations.
3. Company insists workers must be in-office, despite medical conditions.
4. Union demands input in return-to-office policy.

The ABetterABK group claimed that Activision Blizzard decided on the return-to-office policy without input from employees. “Since then, we’ve also learned that the company is unwilling to provide people with remote work accommodations, even when it’s the only option that meets employee’s needs, due to this alienating policy,” the group stated.


Concerns

1. Refusal of work-from-home accommodations for workers with ADA-certified medical conditions.
2. Lack of explanation from Activision and Microsoft for insisting on in-office work.
3. Concerns that Return-to-Office policy is used to force employees to quit.


Activision Blizzard’s Response

In response, Activision Blizzard issued a statement saying, “We respect our employees’ rights to express their point of view. We understand that returning to the office has been an adjustment for some. We engage in an interactive process with employees who request accommodations. This is an ongoing conversation at the bargaining table, and we will continue to discuss our respective interests in that forum.”

Worker Actions

Earlier this month, over 300 Activision employees signed a petition demanding work-from-home options. Workers in Texas and California will rally in support this Friday at their respective offices.

Union Support

In March, workers at Activision’s quality assurance division voted overwhelmingly to join the Communications Workers of America union, forming one of the largest video game workers unions globally.

Industry Implications

Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA joins other game worker unions, including Raven Software, Blizzard Albany, SEGA and TCGPlayer/eBay, organized with CODE-CWA. This move strengthens the labor movement in the tech and gaming industries.

CODE-CWA and CWA

The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers building voice and power in the tech, game and digital industries. CWA represents hundreds of thousands of workers across various industries.

Developer Reactions

Many developers prefer remote or hybrid work, citing increased productivity and better work-life balance. Insomniac Games and Respawn advocate for flexible work arrangements.


Worker Demands and Goals

Workers organized to address concerns about job security, career advancement and fair compensation. “We wanted to see improvements in the workplace, including higher wages and getting more career opportunities,” said Kara Fannon, Functional QA Tester 1.


CWA Allegations

The union claims Activision Blizzard uses the RTO policy to justify layoffs and refuses accommodations for employees with medical conditions.

Background

This dispute follows Activision Blizzard’s decision to end its hybrid work model for QA staffers in Minneapolis, Austin and El Segundo in January. The move has sparked concerns among employees about work-life balance, productivity and health concerns.

Related Developments

Earlier this month, over 700 staff from Ubisoft France walked out in a dispute over the company’s return-to-office policy and pay. The trend highlights growing tensions between tech companies and employees regarding remote work arrangements. 

See more about the Ubisoft France strike below:

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