Key things
- Ubisoft workers in France are being called to strike over a new back-to-the-office policy.
- A French union for video game industry workers is criticizing Ubisoft's proposed hybrid model, fearing job losses and psychosocial risks.
- Demands include a formal telecommuting agreement, a pay rise and better social dialogue.
All Ubisoft employees in France have been called to join a multi-day strike after the company recently announced a new back-to-the-office policy. Ubisoft has 1,000 employees in its Paris office alone, which it claims is the largest video game studio in all of France.
In September, VentureBeat reported that Ubisoft informed employees of planned company-wide changes to work settings. Ubisoft, probably best known for its popularity Assassin's Creed games, said in an email signed by Chief Studios and Portfolio Director Marie-Sophie de Waubert that it is looking to adopt a hybrid model for all of its teams that would focus on at least three days of office work per week. The French union has since criticized the policy, saying it would do more harm than good to workers.
Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV), the French union for workers in the video game industry, has called on all Ubisoft employees in France to express their anger over the company's recently announced hybrid setup by striking from Oct. 15-Oct. 17. Many people at Ubisoft's Montreal office were upset after implementing a similar back-to-the-office mandate last year. In the past, they have reportedly been assured that work can remain completely remote for a long time. According to STJV, many people have been working effectively for years after the implementation of the current remote work model and cannot return to their previous working conditions.
Ubisoft France strike from October 2024
The global rollout of Ubisoft's hybrid model could lead to job losses, disorganization of game projects and increased psychosocial risks for employees who choose to stay at Ubisoft, the STJV claims. In her email, de Waubert also acknowledged that the announced changes are likely to affect the routines and lives of some employees. The statement, which was sent to employees just after Ubisoft's stock price began gaining strength in early September, noted that workers will have time to adjust to the new setup.
The STJV presented three demands, namely the creation of a formal agreement between management and unions on teleworking, an immediate increase in all salaries to compensate for the decline in living standards over the years, and the facilitation of social dialogue. this would amplify the voices of employees. The upcoming STJV strike was announced just after profit sharing negotiations between Ubisoft and its employees broke down.
After a conference call with investors on September 25, Ubisoft announced that it would conduct an internal review in an effort to improve its operations. Ubisoft also revealed a softer than expected start Star Wars Outlaws and postponement Assassin's Creed Shadows” issue by February 14, 2025.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a well-known video game developer and publisher headquartered in Saint-Mandé, France. Current CEO Yves Guillemot manages a number of teams responsible for some of the most iconic and iconic franchises in video games, with franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Farcry, The Crew, Just Dance and more. Ubisoft also acts as the parent company for a number of other video game developers, including names like Massive Entertainment, Ubisoft Paris, Blue Mammoth Games, Red Storm Entertainment, and more.
- Date of establishment
- March 28, 1986
- Headquarters
- Saint Mande, France
- CEO
- Yves Guillemot
