Activision Blizzard's return-to-office plans are prompting another labor dispute. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Activision for the allegedly illegal firings of two quality assurance testers who objected to a hybrid plan that required them to be in the office three days a week by April 10th. Management ostensibly fired the pair for using "strong language" in their opposition, the CWA says, but union Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens characterized the move as "retaliation" against staff who joined co-workers in protected labor activity.
Many employees are balking at the office strategy, the CWA claims. They're reportedly concerned the end to purely remote work will raise the cost of living and force some employees out of their jobs. The NLRB expressly protected the use of harsh language until 2020, when the government loosened standards for firing people over their statements.