In a disconcerting display of employee dissatisfaction, Ubisoft staff in France have initiated a strike impacting the company’s operations across its offices in major locations such as Paris, Montpellier, Lyon, and Annecy. This move follows the controversial return-to-office (RTO) mandate that requires employees to be present at the office at least three days a week, a mandate that has been met with backlash not only from French employees but also from their Italian counterparts. As reports indicate, approximately 700 French employees have participated in a strike since recent days, demanding reconsideration of this policy amidst growing concerns regarding compensation and job security.
The unrest at Ubisoft arises during a tumultuous time for the video game giant, known for its flagship series, Assassin’s Creed. Recent news revealing a potential buyout deal involving major stakeholder Tencent, as well as the Guillemot family, has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future. This possible transition to a privately held entity comes on the heels of a significant decline in the company’s share value, which recently hit a decade-low due to delayed game launches and dwindling sales figures. Such financial woes amplify the urgency of employees’ call for better workplace conditions and fairer compensation.
Central to the organization of the strikes is the French game workers union, STJV (Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo), which has taken a stand against Ubisoft’s perceived lack of engagement with its employees regarding the RTO policy. The STJV has criticized the company’s management for failing to provide adequate justification for the RTO mandate and for neglecting to consult with labor representatives during the decision-making process. The union argues that this unilateral action disregards the personal situations of many employees who have established their lives based on the remote work flexibility afforded to them over the past five years.
The implications of the RTO policy are particularly severe for employees who may have relocated far from their assigned offices during the pandemic. Such workers face the prospect of a grueling and costly commute that may strain their finances and overall well-being, compounding the stakes of this labor conflict.
Solidarity from Italian Workers
The strike’s momentum has extended beyond France, with members of the Fiom Cgil union in Italy expressing solidarity by organizing a one-day strike on October 17. Their action highlights a widespread concern that the RTO requirement may force some employees to resign rather than face untenable commuting conditions. Union representative Andrea Rosafalco articulated this sentiment well, emphasizing the impracticality of the RTO requirement for young professionals living in areas far from Milan. This shared anxiety among workers illustrates how the fallout from corporate policies can resonate across international borders.
The STJV’s demands center around the need for a formal agreement addressing remote work and the obligations associated with the RTO directive. Moreover, they seek to reopen salary negotiations that they believe were prematurely concluded. The union has pointed out a troubling correlation between decisions made by Ubisoft’s management regarding remote work and the limitations placed on discussions about profit-sharing, suggesting that financial concerns may be behind the push for a return to in-person work.
The possibility exists that Ubisoft’s handling of this situation could set a precedent for future labor relations within the gaming industry and beyond. For employees, the crux of the issue is not merely the location in which they perform their work but the acknowledgment of their rights to participate in discussions about policies affecting their livelihoods. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ubisoft’s leadership will take the necessary steps to address the grievances of their workforce or if further actions from employees will become required to spur meaningful dialogue.
As Ubisoft navigates its internal conflicts amidst external market pressures, the voices of its workers underscore the need for balance between company policies and employee well-being. Only time will tell how these discussions evolve and whether they will lead to lasting change within Ubisoft and the gaming industry at large.