With the company's stock price approaching subterranean levels, it feels like something major is about to give over at Ubisoft. Blows have been raining down in the form of Star Wars Outlaws not meeting expectations, Assassin's Creed Shadows being hit with a hefty delay, calls for CEO Yves Guilemeont's resignation, and the Board of Directors-ordered internal company review; just about the last thing the brothers Guillemot need now is a labour strike, and there is a revolutionary feeling in the air. Try to guess what's just been called for by France's biggest video game union.
As reported by IGN, Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) has called for all staff at Ubisoft's French holdings to down tools and strike. This move follows a breakdown in negotiations regarding a return to work order and ongoing pay disputes. Ubisoft management has mandated all staff return to the office for three days a week, which STJV says is ridiculous after the pivot workers just did:
"After more than five years of working efficiently in the current remote-work context, many of our colleagues have built or rebuilt their lives (family life, housing, parenthood, etc.) and simply cannot return to the previous working conditions. Our employer knows this perfectly well. The consequence of its decision will be the loss of our colleagues' jobs, the disorganization of many game projects, and the drastic increase in psychosocial risks for those who remain."
The STJV said the return to work order is a reprisal following the collapse of profit-sharing negotiations between Ubisoft France management and staff. The first strike is set for 15-17th October, and Ubisoft declined to comment on the brewing situation when IGN asked. The STJV wants a formal agreement on remote work, for profit sharing at 60% to be restored, and an increase in salaries. Global Ubisoft staff have been encouraged to "mobilize" as well, so we'll keep an eye on the action.