According to reports, unions representing Ubisoft Barcelona have initiated legal proceedings against the company's mandate requiring employees to return to the office.

The labor unions representing both AAA and mobile game studios of Ubisoft in Barcelona have initiated legal action against the company regarding alterations to its remote work policies.

Working with the Spanish labor organization, CGT (Confederación General del Trabajo), the unions are advocating for Ubisoft to withdraw its directive to return to the office and to safeguard remote work through a formal collective bargaining agreement.

According to information in correspondence relayed to GamesIndustry.biz, unions stated their willingness to discuss the matter, yet claim Ubisoft's management has not presented any proposals since the lawsuit was instituted on October 14.

The plans rolled out by Ubisoft are reportedly aimed at bringing employees back to the office for a minimum of three days each week.

This new policy is expected to replace the ongoing work-from-home structure, which allows employees to work from home 60% of the time per month, selected at their discretion. The new rules will apply to those who currently have full-time remote working arrangements as well.

Accusations from the unions suggest that Ubisoft's alterations were executed "suddenly and without transparency," raising concerns about logistical challenges since office facilities might not be equipped to handle the influx of remote employees returning at the same time.

Ubisoft has reportedly rationalized the mandate by citing benefits like "team creativity" and "better communication," though unions contend that "management has consistently failed to present any actual tangible benefits to back this measure."

GamesIndustry.biz has sought comment from Ubisoft on the situation.

In September, more than 700 Ubisoft employees in France engaged in a three-day work stoppage in opposition to the office return mandate. More recently, workers at Ubisoft Milan joined in solidarity with the French cohort by organizing a one-day strike.