Summary
In a significant development within the gaming industry, more than 700 unionized employees atUbisoft’s various studios across France have embarked on a coordinated strike. The catalyst behind this organized action stems from the breakdown of annual salary negotiations, prompting discontent amongUbisoft’s workforce.
Ubisoft stands as a major player in the video game industry, with a rich history of captivating titles and global influence. Established in France in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers, the company has since expanded its presence worldwide, with studios in various countries. Some ofUbisoft’s standout titlesincludeWatch Dogs: Legion,Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,Far Cry 6, andImmortals Fenyx Rising, all of which have been well-received by many fans. However, recent years have presented challenges for the gaming giant, with some of its projects facing delays and cancelations, resulting in a 10% drop in Ubisoft’s stock price on the Dow Jones.
Over 700 French Ubisoft Workers Launch Strike
Now, it is reported thatUbisoft is facing challengesregarding the salaries of its French employees. On February 14th, hundreds of Ubisoft employees in France staged a strike organized by the French game workers union,STJV. The strike, which spanned across Ubisoft’s Paris, Montpellier, Annecy, Lyon, and Bordeaux studios, was prompted by the breakdown of annual salary negotiations. The STJV accused Ubisoft management of offering inadequate salary increases for two consecutive years and implementing cost-cutting measures despite the company’s profitability. This disparity between profits and employee compensation sparked widespread discontent among staff, leading to large-scale strike action.
Following the strike, which garnered over 700 participants, the STJV reiterated its message, emphasizing solidarity among workers and external supporters and sending a clear signal to Ubisoft’s management regarding the importance of fair treatment and compensation for employees. It’s notable that thisisn’t the first instance of employee discontent within Ubisoft, as in 2021, the employee-led organization ABetterUbisoft demanded change within the company following an inadequate response to allegations of sexual misconduct.
“The message to Ubisoft’s management is extremely clear, in a company where the CEO once strutted around claiming that ‘when a union comes to Ubisoft, I’ll leave’”.
In recent years, the gaming industry has experienced a notable increase in challenges for its workforce, particularly marked by a significant wave of layoffs. Most notably, Microsoft recently announced its decision to downsize its workforce by 1,900 individuals, primarily targeting positions within the Activision Blizzard conglomerate. Additionally,Ubisoft’s abrupt dismissal of 60 employees last year without prior noticeunderscores the growing concerns within the industry. These incidents shed light on the escalating issues faced by gaming professionals, whether concerning salaries or job security. It is imperative to address these challenges proactively, with the hope of fostering a more stable and equitable environment for all involved.
