Ubisoft Montreal employees launch collective action to preserve hybrid work schedule

Employees at Ubisoft Montreal, represented by the Ubisoft Workers of Montreal (UWM) union, initiated a petition to preserve hybrid work arrangements. As of Wednesday, the petition had garnered over 300 signatures, with many collected in person during break times. The campaign, launched publicly by GWU Montreal, urges all Ubisoft Montreal staff to sign and encourages supporters to expand outreach. The union framed the petition as a first step in broader efforts to address workplace policies.

Ubisoft announced in January a company-wide mandate requiring employees to return to the office five days per week. The policy coincided with layoffs, delays, and studio closures, framed by Ubisoft as part of a 'rightsizing' initiative to restore creative leadership and agility. The changes followed a $1.25 billion investment from Tencent, which Ubisoft described as intended to drive a 'sharp rebound' in performance.

The return-to-office policy was justified by Ubisoft as a measure to enhance collaboration, though it sparked immediate backlash. Employees in Ubisoft’s Paris office went on strike in protest, while a Montreal team lead, David Michaud-Cromp, publicly questioned whether layoffs were motivated by factors beyond productivity. Ubisoft placed Michaud-Cromp on unpaid leave shortly after his remarks and terminated his employment a week later.

Ubisoft responded to inquiries by stating that respectful feedback does not lead to dismissal, emphasizing its Code of Conduct as the basis for workplace expectations. The company outlined procedures for addressing breaches, including escalating measures based on severity and repetition. GWU Montreal directed employees to sign the petition in person during break hours, correcting an earlier version that mistakenly referenced work hours.