Over 1,200 Ubisoft developers have initiated a strike in Paris and Milan due to the company’s recent layoffs and shift in remote-working policies. Marc Rutschlé, a Ubisoft Paris employee and representative of the Solidaires Informatique union, disclosed this information to GamesIndustry.biz.
The strike was sparked by Ubisoft’s decision to cancel games and close studios, resulting in potential job losses numbering in the hundreds. Additionally, employees are unhappy about delayed pay raises and the new restriction on remote or hybrid work arrangements. Instead, they will receive a yearly allowance for working from home. Many believe that Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot is out of touch with the company and its employees.
“It is evident to us that Yves Guillemot lacks understanding of the company and its workforce,” stated Rutschlé. “The company is moving forward with cost-cutting measures and layoffs, putting pressure on already understaffed teams. Employees have gone years without significant pay raises and are once again facing disappointment this year.”
The strike is scheduled to last for three days from February 10th to 12th, following a half-day strike on January 22nd after Ubisoft’s restructuring announcement. Various unions, including Solidaires Informatique, STJV, CGT, Printemps Ecologique, and CFE-CGC, have called for international action, with most of the strike activity concentrated in France.
Best of luck to the UbiStrikers! As they say, “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few Guillemot eggs.”
