Activision Blizzard's legal bills must be piling up, as
a new lawsuit filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is
just the latest in a series of legal actions over the workplace culture at the
videogame giant. Accusations include, but are not limited to: "1. Subjecting
female employees to sex-based discrimination, including harassment, based on
their gender. 2. Retaliating against female employees for complaining about
sex-based discrimination, based on their gender. 3. Paying female employees less
than male employees, based on their gender." A surprisingly swift response comes
in this announcement from
Activision Blizzard saying it is committed to expanded workplace
initiatives. Subject to court approval, the company has already reached an
agreement with the EEOC:
Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI) today
confirmed that, as part of its effort to have the most welcoming, inclusive
workplace, it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to settle claims and to further strengthen
policies and programs to prevent harassment and discrimination in the company’s
workplace. Under the agreement, the principal terms of which are summarized in
Attachment A to this press release, Activision Blizzard has committed to create
an $18 million fund to compensate and make amends to eligible claimants. Any
amounts not used for claimants will be divided between charities that advance
women in the video game industry or promote awareness around harassment and
gender equality issues as well as company diversity, equity, and inclusion
initiatives, as approved by the EEOC. The agreement is subject to court
approval.