Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union petition to "preserve hybrid work" secures over 300 signatures

The Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union (UWM) initiated a petition on September 30 to preserve hybrid work arrangements, gathering over 300 signatures. The union urged employees to sign during breaks and encouraged supporters to rally colleagues, emphasizing in-person collection as the primary method. United Videogame Workers Union (UVW-CWA) publicly endorsed the petition, framing it as part of a broader struggle for dignified work and economic justice for affected employees.

The petition highlights concerns over Ubisoft’s return-to-office mandate, introduced this year as part of its Creative Houses restructuring. The mandate requires staff to work five days in the office weekly, with limited annual work-from-home days. Critics argue the policy disregards employees with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, or those who relocated for remote roles, calling for accountability over management decisions.

Ubisoft executives defended the mandate, citing the need to strengthen in-person collaboration and team dynamics. Marie-Sophie de Waubert, SVP of studio operations, emphasized the importance of in-person interactions for efficiency, creativity, and market competitiveness. The company stated it would discuss flexibility with employee representatives but framed the changes as essential for maintaining game quality and team engagement.

The petition follows a three-day international strike in February, where at least 1,200 employees participated in protest against the restructuring and return-to-office policy. Ubisoft reported 528 staff confirmed their strike participation in a separate statement. The union’s campaign reflects ongoing tensions between management’s push for office attendance and workers’ demands for flexible work arrangements.