It seems that not a month goes by without learning new elements related to Activision Blizzard. This week sounded more like a first step towards recovery for the victims. In fact, the American judiciary made a first judgment on the allegations of sexual harassment in the company. So it’s $18 million being paid to the various plaintiffs.
An agreement that not everyone likes
This settlement was reached between Federal Judge Dale Fischer and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As a reminder, Activision Blizzard agreed last September to reach an amicable settlement with the commission. However, not all complainants agree with this rule. Some rightly find that this is the “easy” route for the company and in no way guarantees changing the toxic culture that exists within the company. This is the case, for example, with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), as reported by kotaku
[…]The DFEH has been accused of derailing and delaying the settlement process while Activision Blizzard worked with the federal government. The judge angrily reiterated that DFEH’s reasoning was “inappropriate” and that anyone who disagreed with the settlement could sue the Ninth Circuit Court.
A chance for Activision Blizzard?
This federal decision could prevent the DFEH and other state courts from suing Activision Blizzard for additional damages. The California department is also taking action against the publisher. A clause would apparently allow the publisher to remove allegations of sexual harassment from all official documents. Indeed, the federal court is known for making lenient judgments compared to state courts. Other organizations such as Communications Worker of America
According to the union organization, the amount, which equates to $450 per plaintiff, would “a drop of water for Activision Blizzard“. It’s difficult to disagree with the CWA by recalling the group’s 2021 results. In any case, the date of the DFEH hearing has been extended to February 27, 2023, which promises new developments from here on out.
