Activision Blizzard's controversial CEO Bobby Kotick continues to be making headlines ever since the organization first faced allegations of sexual harassment in 2022. Now multiple US politicians have noted that the Activision Blizzard CEO should be attributed to some degree for that toxic workplace culture that he was accountable for.
In February, it had been says Bobby Kotick could get a payout close to $15 million once Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition is approved. This payout could, however, be upgraded close to $22 million if the company's board members are able to agree there has been a noticable difference concerning the management of both female and non-binary employees at Activision Blizzard. Interestingly, Kotick will still own around $619 million worth of shares even if he's removed because the CEO of Activision Blizzard.
The chance of Kotick's huge payout prompted multiple US Senators, including Bernie Sanders, to sign instructions addressed to the Ftc. The letter states that the acquisition could diminish the current push by employees for accountability if Kotick is allowed to retain his position as CEO and get an eye-watering payout if he leaves on amicable terms.
The letter of interest also noted that the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft may exacerbate the large number of sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation allegations at Activision Blizzard, because the senators noted that the deal may sweep away most of the accusations leveled at the company. An Activision spokesperson responded and noted the acquisition would not affect the changes made throughout the onslaught of allegations made from the company last year and that no special terms were created for Kotick in the deal.
Activision Blizzard recently reached a settlement for one of their sexual harassment lawsuits when a judge approved the company's $18 million agreement using the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This sum will not visit the claimants and will instead be used to fund harassment and discrimination prevention programs within Activision Blizzard. The organization continues to be, however, embroiled in another lawsuit with California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
In other company news, Activision Blizzard removed the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for employees, a choice that's been rather polarizing as employees that disagree with the mandate change have been planning to stage a walkout. The new Activision-Blizzard-King Workers Alliance stated that staff is only going to agree to return to normal working conditions after Activision Blizzard mandates vaccination. The company compromised and noted that workers will be required to be vaccinated when they wish to go back to work with the following couple of months.
