Unions at Ubisoft have announced plans for a four-day strike, stating, "It is time for management to understand that they cannot do whatever they want"

The unions representing Ubisoft employees, namely STJV, CFE-CGC, CGT, Printemps Ecologique, and Solidaires Informatique, have advocated for a "significant international protest."

Ubisoft recently disclosed a major business restructuring plan, which involves the scrapping of six titles, including the Prince of Persia remake, postponement of seven other games, a shift back to full-time office work, and final layoffs and studio shut-downs aimed at saving €200 million. Furthermore, the company announced its decision to eliminate 200 positions from Ubisoft International in Paris as part of the restructuring strategy. The affected employees will be offered voluntary redundancy, and the adjustments will be discussed with labor unions.

A statement by the unions criticized the absence of "dialogue or respect" between Ubisoft's management and union representatives, emphasizing that while the company professes to focus on gaming, these projects wouldn't be feasible without the workforce.

The union's call to action seeks a four-day walkout on February 10, 11, 12, and 12, opposing the company's insistence on in-office work, the cost-cutting measures impacting staff, unilateral decision-making, and the imposition of strict work conditions.

They rebuked the company's communication practices, arguing that employees only found out about the restructuring from the media, rather than through the required discussions with the unions, which should have taken place days before the announcements.

The unions questioned the promised autonomy for the newly formed Creative Houses, contrasting it with the rigid five-day office attendance requirement imposed on employees. They criticized management for behaving as though employees need constant supervision, while management operates with impunity.

Negotiations over Ubisoft’s remote work policy have been ongoing for over a year, even amid challenging circumstances, with some studios having already established agreements.

The collective emotions among the employees are driven by their commitment and passion for the industry, but they express that they have reached a limit. The unions assert their loyalty to Ubisoft, expressing their dismay at the situation.

The statement concludes by urging Ubisoft's leaders to recognize that they are accountable for their actions and cannot act unilaterally with public funds or the efforts of many individuals. The unions remind the management of their fundamental role in accomplishing Ubisoft's impact and innovations in the video game industry.