Ubisoft Unions Advocate for Major Global Strike

Ubisoft is facing significant unrest among its employees following recent layoff announcements and a drastic organizational overhaul. The company revealed that it would implement a €200 million cost-cutting plan, resulting in further layoffs and project cancellations. This move has prompted outrage not only from employees but also from investors.

International Strike Called by Ubisoft Unions

In response to these developments, five French labor unions representing Ubisoft workers have called for a major global strike. The unions involved are CFE-CGC, CGT, Printemps Écologique, Solidaires Informatique, and STJV. This strike is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 12, 2024.

Concerns Over Management Decisions

The unions issued a joint statement criticizing Ubisoft’s leadership for the recent changes, saying, “The announced transformation claims to place games at the heart of its strategy, but without us, these games cannot exist.” They emphasized that management’s neglect of their responsibilities led to the elimination of 200 jobs at the headquarters, worsening employees’ already challenging working conditions.

• Union Representation: The unions are advocating for improved working conditions and job security.
• Remote Work Policies: A controversial decision to end remote work requirements has caused additional distress among staff.
• Previous Agreements: A hybrid work arrangement, negotiated in September 2023, is seen as undermined by recent mandates from management.

Management’s New Policies

Marc Rutschlé, a representative from Solidaires Informatique, expressed that Ubisoft’s Plans to require employees to work in the office five days a week contradicts previous agreements. This policy is expected to increase stress and uncertainty among the workforce, as many employees are now left questioning their work-life balance.

Rutschlé criticized this top-down approach, arguing that it undermines the autonomy promised to the newly proposed “creative houses” within Ubisoft. “This is a lose-lose situation for every person and every project,” he stated.

Historical Context of Strikes at Ubisoft

This strike is not unprecedented. In 2024, nearly 700 Ubisoft employees participated in a national strike across multiple cities, advocating for better pay—marking one of the largest strikes in the video game industry’s history. Recently, a half-day strike was held outside Ubisoft’s Paris office in protest of the reorganization plans.

Goals of the Upcoming Strike

The unions aim to assemble a formidable workforce collective during the February strike, uniting unions from countries outside France. They intend to illustrate that the production of games cannot occur without proper support from the employees. “We will not be bullied into submission,” Rutschlé emphasized, voicing their determination to attain improved working environments. The unions are optimistic that their collective actions will lead to necessary changes at Ubisoft.

As preparations for the strike gather momentum, employees remain uneasy about their job security and the future direction of Ubisoft. The outcome of this upcoming strike could set a significant precedent for labor relations within the gaming industry.