Ubisoft France Employees Plans Strike on October 2024

Gamers, it’s time to look beyond the screen because the real-life saga unfolding at Ubisoft France could directly impact the games we love. Employees are gearing up for a significant Ubisoft Strike, which is set to echo through the halls of one of the gaming industry’s giants.

The Prelude to the Strike

You’re likely familiar with Ubisoft’s epic “Assassin’s Creed” series, but the latest drama isn’t unfolding in historical settings—it’s happening in the company’s modern-day offices. Ubisoft is shifting gears towards a hybrid work model, mandating at least three days of office work each week. This change has sparked controversy, with the French union STJV decrying the move as more detrimental than beneficial to the staff.

The Heart of the Discontent

The heart of the issue lies in the balance—or imbalance—between work flexibility and corporate expectations. Ubisoft’s Montreal team felt the sting of a similar policy last year, which contradicted previous assurances of long-term remote work. The current remote-work model, which employees have been following for years, is at risk, and for many, reverting to the old ways is not an option.

The Upcoming Ubisoft Strike

As the global rollout of the hybrid work model looms, concerns over job security, project disarray, and increased stress for those staying at Ubisoft are mounting. Despite Marie-Sophie de Waubert’s email acknowledging the upheaval this change will cause, it’s clear that Ubisoft’s employees are not ready to accept this shift without a fight.

The Demands and the Response

STJV isn’t just calling for a strike; they’ve laid out clear demands:

  1. A formal remote work agreement between management and unions.
  2. An immediate salary increase to counteract declining living standards.
  3. A platform for genuine social dialogue to amplify employee voices.

These demands came to light after profit-sharing talks with Ubisoft broke down, signaling a deeper rift between the workforce and the upper echelons.

The Bigger Picture for Ubisoft

In the backdrop of these tensions, Ubisoft is navigating choppy waters with investors. A disappointing launch for “Star Wars Outlaws” and the delay of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” to February 2025 are just the tip of the iceberg. Moreover, the company is now scrambling to conduct an internal review in hopes of steering back on course.

Conclusion

For us, the gamers, the Ubisoft Strike is more than an internal dispute—it’s a signal of changing times in the industry we’re all passionate about. As Ubisoft France employees brace for their strike in October, the ripple effects could very well influence the games on your shelf and the future of work in gaming. Stay tuned, and let’s hope for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

Latest Posts: