Activision Blizzard employees walk out again, this time for reproductive protections

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn abortion rights, employees at the company will walk off the job. Four of the publisher's North American offices will be affected by the strike, including California, Texas, Minnesota, and New York.

A Better ABK said on July 6th that they were calling for protection of marginalized workers. Women, LGBTQ+ employees, and their families are at risk because of state legislation that is putting other vulnerable groups at risk.

A number of video game companies are in favor of reproductive healthcare and freedom. If any employee or their dependents need to travel out of state for care, Bungie plans to add travel reimbursement to its healthcare plans.

A Better ABK doesn't feel that the travel reimbursement plan that was added in June is enough to address the problem.

Current reimbursements for out-of-state medical care leave employees open to legal prosecution in their home state. Travelers don't remove workers from danger. Our demands make sure that our workers have access to life saving procedures.

In addition to demands concerning employee healthcare, A Better ABK also listed other demands, including an end to forced arbitration, clear and transparent dialogue with the internal Committee Against Sex and Gender Discrimination, and a legal commitment to neutrality.

Rich George commented on the strike in a statement.

The right of our employees to express their views and values in a safe, responsible way is supported by us. They can do it in many ways. Ensuring we are the best place to work is a priority for our leadership team. Ensuring gender equity throughout the company and comprehensive access to reproductive and other healthcare services for employees are included.

The strike coincides with the one-year anniversary of the state of California's lawsuit against the company for fostering an environment of sexual abuse and discrimination.