CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 77 72 MILLION REASONS NOT TO MESS WITH WOMEN Employer Agrees to End Widespread Sex Discrimination « Law Offices of Timothy Bowles | Top Employment Law Firm in Los Angeles

CAUTIONARY TALE EPISODE 77
72 MILLION REASONS NOT TO MESS WITH WOMEN
Employer Agrees to End Widespread Sex Discrimination

Activision Blizzard, Inc. and related companies were targeted in 2018 with joint investigations by the California Civil Rights Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The CRD’s resulting 2021 lawsuit claimed Activision’s systemic discrimination against women through unequal pay, constructive discharge, retaliation, promotions, instances of inappropriate or offensive conduct, and failing to prevent such sex-based inequality.  The company has now entered a consent decree, subject to court approval, to settle the case for $54 million and other commitments including recruitment practices to include underrepresented groups and changes to hiring, compensation, promotion and other practices.  See FAQ.

All Activision women employees from October 12, 2015 to December 3, 2020 will receive a standard minimum payment, and some, depending on longevity, will receive more.

Also in 2021, Activision entered a consent decree with the EEOC to settle federal court claims for sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and related retaliation.  The terms included $18 million compensation for women targeted, Activision’s correction of personnel records containing negative references and provision of future career opportunities and fair references.

Both consent decrees require the Activision companies to comply with applicable laws in their policies and practices, provide appropriate training, and handle complaints timely and effectively.
Take-Aways:  Discrimination is a real issue.  Employers must understand what constitutes illegal conduct and steer clear in all employment practices, including hiring, termination, promotion, pay, and overall treatment of employees. We offer Sexual Harassment Prevention Training seminars, virtual and in-person. Contact Aimee Rosales at officemanager@tbowles.com for more information.

For further information, please contact Tim Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.

See also:

Helena Kobrin
February 16, 2024

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