A judge approved an $18 million settlement between Activision Blizzard and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday ,bringing one of several discrimination lawsuits against the gaming company to a close.
During a hearing on Tuesday, US district judge Dale Fischer said she would give final approval to the settlement after Activision and the EEOC made various tweaks she requested last week.
The company still faces multiple suits from shareholders, former employees and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).
U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer said during the March 29 virtual Zoom hearing on the settlement that she couldn’t stop anyone from filing appeals, but her intent was to sign the agreement. Fischer also rejected a renewed effort to intervene in the case by the DFEH, which filed its own suit against Activision months before the EEOC and argued the settlement could hurt its own case.
EEOC spokeswoman Nicole St Germain said the agency was pleased that Fischer said she would approve the settlement. She said that in addition to the payout, the deal requires Activision to take steps to prevent and address discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Anyone who worked at Activision Blizzard between Sept. 1, 2016 to present day can submit a claim, specifically about sexual harassment, retaliation or pregnancy discrimination. The EEOC settlement is opt-in only, so claimants have to submit paperwork to be considered for relief.
In a 2021 complaint, the EEOC had accused Activision of failing to take corrective and preventive measures on sexual harassment complaints, discriminating against women in pay and promotions, and discriminating against pregnant workers. Activision denied violating anti-bias laws, but has said it will make changes to how it addresses workplace complaints.
As part of the agreement with the EEOC and in addition to the $18 million, Activision is required to expand mental health counseling services and will add a new personnel evaluation process where employees can leave feedback about their bosses. An independent, equal employment opportunity expert hired by the company will report to the EEOC. The company must also give mandatory sexual harassment training that is live and interactive.
The agreement would be in effect for three years. If Activision does not comply, the EEOC could seek all forms of relief, including monetary or sanctions in an extreme case.
