Unity in Protest: Ubisoft Staff Demand Fair Treatment Amidst Corporate Changes

Understanding the Genesis of Discontent: Ubisoft's Sweeping Organizational Changes

Ubisoft, a leading entity in the global video game industry, recently disclosed substantial alterations to its corporate structure. These changes encompassed the shutdown of multiple development studios and the discontinuation of six planned video game projects. Such decisions invariably raise anxieties among employees regarding their professional futures and the overall stability of their workplace.

The Collective Response: A Three-Day International Walkout by Ubisoft Workers

In direct defiance of these corporate directives, a significant portion of Ubisoft's global workforce initiated a three-day international strike. Commencing on February 10th and concluding on February 12th, this coordinated action saw approximately 1,200 employees cease their duties. The primary hub for this protest was Paris, France, where Ubisoft maintains a substantial presence, though solidarity actions were also reported from the company's Milan offices.

Leadership Under Scrutiny: Employee Perceptions of Management's Awareness

According to statements made by Marc Rutschlé, a representative from the Solidaires Informatique union at Ubisoft Paris, there is a prevailing sentiment among employees that Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot, lacks a comprehensive understanding of the company's internal dynamics and the concerns of its staff. This perceived disconnect has fueled further resentment, as employees believe their well-being is being overlooked in favor of cost-cutting measures and organizational streamlining.

The Core Grievances: Workload, Compensation, and the Return-to-Office Mandate

The striking workers articulated several key grievances. They highlighted enduring issues of excessive workload and persistent understaffing, which have reportedly exacerbated pressures within various teams. Furthermore, employees pointed to a lack of meaningful salary increases over several years, leading to a decline in their purchasing power. A particularly contentious point was the company's re-introduction of a mandatory return-to-office policy, requiring all staff to work from Ubisoft's premises five days a week, a directive that had previously incited similar protests in 2024.

Escalation of Action: Preceding Strikes and the Path Forward

This three-day strike was not an isolated event but rather an escalation of previous industrial actions. A smaller, yet significant, strike was organized by the Solidaires Informatique union on January 22nd, immediately following the announcement of Ubisoft's restructuring plan. As the recent three-day strike concludes, the future trajectory of employee-management relations remains uncertain, with all eyes on Ubisoft's impending announcements regarding the restructuring and potential further developments in this ongoing dispute.