Unite, Resist, Reshape: Ubisoft Workers Demand Fair Treatment and Respect
The Catalyst for Discontent: Ubisoft's Controversial Corporate Directives
Ubisoft's workforce, predominantly in its French and Milanese divisions, has embarked on a three-day strike following a series of highly contested management decisions. These include the implementation of a mandatory return-to-office policy, plans to eliminate up to 200 positions, and the shelving of several highly anticipated game titles, such as the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake. The dismissal of a veteran Assassin's Creed developer for publicly criticizing these changes further fueled employee resentment, galvanizing workers to take collective action.
A Unified Stand: International Support for the Strike
Responding to a joint statement issued by five French trade unions on January 28, Ubisoft staff globally were called upon to participate in a three-day walkout from February 10-12. With approximately 17,000 employees spread across Europe, North America, and Asia, the unions emphasized the need for management to recognize the significant impact of their decisions on both public funds and the livelihoods of hundreds of individuals. This unified protest underscores a collective demand for greater accountability and respect from the company's leadership.
Management Under Scrutiny: The Return-to-Office Mandate and Its Fallout
The company's top executives have mandated a five-day-a-week return to in-office work for all remaining employees, a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from the unions. They liken the treatment of employees to that of "children needing supervision," while simultaneously accusing management of deceit and legal infractions. This directive, particularly challenging for employees hired under fully remote contracts, is perceived by many as a coercive tactic to force resignations without the obligation of severance pay.
Financial Pressures and Organizational Restructuring: The Underlying Causes
Following a period of studio closures, project cancellations, and game delays—termed a "major organizational, operational, and portfolio reset" by Ubisoft—the company confirmed plans to reduce up to 200 jobs, representing about 18% of the workforce at its Paris headquarters. This will be facilitated through a Rupture Conventionnelle Collective (RCC) process, allowing unionized employees to negotiate collective severance terms. This "acceleration of cost-reduction initiatives" coincides with a significant drop in Ubisoft's share price, reaching its lowest point in 15 years by January 25.
Employee Resilience: Striking for Justice and Respect
The return-to-office mandate has proven particularly unpopular, especially for employees who reside considerable distances from the nearest company headquarters. For these individuals, the policy presents an insurmountable challenge, leading some to interpret it as a subtle strategy by Ubisoft to avoid severance payments by compelling resignations. A representative from the French union SJTV highlighted that for many, this policy change leaves no alternative but to leave the company.
Solidarity in Action: Visuals from the Strike
Evidence of the strike, including photographs and videos, has emerged on various social media platforms. One notable clip from Milan captures Ubisoft employees dancing collectively in the rain, symbolizing their unwavering spirit and unity despite adverse conditions. This public display of solidarity underscores the deep-seated grievances and the collective resolve of the striking workers.
The Driving Forces: Unions Behind the Industrial Action
News of the strike was initially reported by the French financial publication Les Echos on January 27. The industrial action is supported by a coalition of trade unions, including CGT, la CFE-CGC, Printemps écologique, Solidaires Informatique, and Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses du jeu vidéo (STJV). These unions are at the forefront of advocating for employee rights and pushing back against management decisions that they deem unfair or exploitative.