CWA says Activision Blizzard fired staff who lambasted return to office policy

gamedeveloper.com:

Labor union the Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge against Activision Blizzard after the company allegedly terminated two employees for "engaging in protected, concerted, union activity."

The CWA claims the Call of Duty publisher unlawfully dismissed those workers for expressing outrage over its return to office (RTO) policy.

A redacted charge sheet shared with Game Developer indicates those employees were QA testers, and that both were dismissed "on or about" February 17, 2023.

Earlier this month, Activision Blizzard confirmed it will soon start requiring employees to work from the office for at least three days a week. That policy will be implemented in April for Activision Publishing workers, and July for Blizzard employees.

The requirement has left some workers frustrated and worried, prompting them to raise concerns about the potential for increased exposure to COVID-19, rising expenses for those hired remotely, and longer commutes during a recent (and seemingly tumultuous) Q&A with Blizzard leadership.

The CWA claims the decision to scale down remote work received an overwhelmingly negative response from employees, including from those QA testers fired by Activision Blizzard.

"Numerous workers protested the RTO plan citing cost of living concerns and the impact it would have on their co-workers who might be forced out of their jobs. Two QA testers expressed their outrage using strong language. In response, management set up disciplinary meetings where both workers were fired," wrote the CWA in a press release.

"Prior to 2020, the use of outbursts and strong language in the context of concerted activity by employees was protected by the National Labor Relations