The Riot Walkout is Underway, Employees Protest Arbitration
By Wyatt Fossett ·
Riot Games responded after news broke that they would be forcing employees currently suing the company for sexism were being forced into private arbitration, but it wasn't enough.
Today, some of the employees of Riot Games’ Los Angeles and San Francisco studios are staging a walkout in order to peacefully protest the studios’ lack of action in regards to the employees accused of sexist behavior, and the recent news regarding the company’s stance on forced private arbitration.
Today myself and several of my co-workers are standing up for what is right, just, and fair in regards to Forced Arbitration and Sexual Harassment. Its 2019, and forcing anyone to sit in a room with the company/person who did this and "talk it out" is unacceptable. #riotwalkout
— Mel Capperino-Garcia (@Riotswimbananas) May 6, 2019
We covered the latest update from Riot Games, where they expressed that the company will allow for an opt-out of employee’s arbitration agreement, but not until the current legal situation is behind them.
To stand up with the current Riot employees that are in legal disputes with the studio, a large group of employees have staged a walkout strike. Riot, in response said that they will do all they can to support the employees in their protest.
“We have asked all managers to make every accommodation to allow Rioters to participate during the 2-4pm window, including freeing up meeting times. We respect Rioters who choose to walkout today and will not tolerate retaliation of any kind as a result of participating (or not).” one Riot representative told Kotaku today.
The walkout (happening as I type this) has garnered a whole lot of support across the industry -- as all developers worldwide continue to push for more respect and care for employees. It means a lot to an evolving industry that employees support others who are dealing with hardships within a company. Especially if that hardship comes in the form of the extremely tired “boys will be boys” broken system.
Today is the #RiotWalkout. Time to show leadership we are serious. Sexual harassment and protecting abusers will not be tolerated. We deserve to work at a place where we feel safe and welcomed.
— Riot LadyGnar | Kiley (@MissyKiley) May 6, 2019
riot employees are walking out today to protest against senior leadership's use of forced arbitration in cases sexual harassment and discrimination. the life of league of legends and lol esports is in the hands of these employees, and they need your support at #riotwalkout
— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) May 6, 2019
Good luck to all the brave, strong folks at Riot participating in the #RiotWalkout. You stand for something better for everyone at your studio and beyond. Your rejection of corporate suppression and sexual harassment in pursuit of stronger inclusion is inspiring. Get 'em.
— Mitch Dyer (@MitchyD) May 6, 2019
?
I can't be there in person today but I'm sending all my love to the people at the #RiotWalkout.
— Ovilee (@OvileeMay) May 6, 2019
Nothing but respect for the brave individuals who are fighting for positive changes in a company that they love.
I am participating in the #riotwalkout today. It should not be legal to force workers into arbitration when they suffer sexual harassment-- or any other discrimination, really. It's already not legal in several states. I'd like my company to be on the cutting edge of this issue!!
— Laura Michet (@lmichet) May 6, 2019
Solidarity with those who are part of the #RiotWalkout today. Given the range of systemtic problems at play in this industry, labor action like this is all too rare. I hope that one day, this walkout is looked back on a bellwether for change and not just an exception to the rule.
— austin walker (@austin_walker) May 6, 2019
Game Workers Unite -- a group designed to help and bolster voices and collaboration within the industry -- posted a message of solidarity with the Riot workers and their walkout today.
“You are demonstrating to all of us in this industry that real change can only come when you and your coworkers stand up for one another, share mutual respect, and develop deep relationships of care and support in the workplace.” reads a portion of the statement.
The Game Workers Unite group will be on-hand today during the walkout to support conversation and hand out water and aid if needed.
Riot Games studios from all over the world have also joined in a talk to support the California studios. The Riot Dublin office will be hosting their own walkout in solidarity with their Riot family. Their protest will take place on Tuesday.
In response to the backlash regarding the news of forced private arbitration last week, Riot Games made a half-hearted attempt to soften the blow, but Riot employees say it’s not enough.
We will continue to follow the RiotWalkout story as it develops further.
*cover photo courtesy Nicole Clark, VICE*