CWA Canada has announced its intention to "pursue every legal recourse" to defend unionized employees at Ubisoft Halifax

The union CWA Canada is prepared to "exhaust all legal avenues" in support of the newly unionized employees at Ubisoft Halifax, which faces impending closure.

According to a release on its website, CWA Canada indicated that the studio's shutdown shortly after the establishment of a bargaining unit "raises many questions." They emphasized that it would be "unlawful" for a company to close due to unionization, although they clarified this might not necessarily be the case here.

CWA Canada's president, Carmel Smyth, expressed distress over the matter, stating, "Today's news is devastating."

"We will pursue every legal recourse to ensure that the rights of these workers are respected and not infringed in any way," Smyth continued, urging Ubisoft to prove that the closure is unrelated to the workers' unionization. Smyth stressed the importance of this for the employees, their families, the Nova Scotian community, and video game enthusiasts who value Canadian-made products.

Jon Huffman, from the Ubisoft Halifax union's organizing committee, remarked on their disappointment and noted their commitment to mutual support during this crisis.

Ubisoft's announcement of the Halifax studio's closure was made on January 7th, impacting 71 employees, close on the heels of forming the first union in its North American division. Ubisoft clarified to GamesIndustry.biz that the studio's shutdown is not linked to the recent unionization.

In their statement, Ubisoft mentioned having undertaken various organizational changes over the last two years to improve efficiency and control costs. "As part of this," Ubisoft wrote, "we have decided to close the Halifax studio, affecting 71 positions. We are committed to supporting all team members impacted, offering robust severance packages and career transition assistance."

Founded in 2010, Ubisoft Halifax has been known for working on mobile games like Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin's Creed Rebellion in recent times.