CWA Canada announced its firm intention to pursue every legal recourse available to safeguard the rights of unionized workers at Ubisoft Halifax, following the sudden closure of the studio. This decisive statement comes hot on the heels of Ubisoft’s announcement to shutter its Halifax operations, affecting 71 employees, just as the bargaining unit had recently formed.
The union has openly questioned the timing of this decision, suggesting a potential link to the recent unionization efforts within the French publishing giant’s North American business. While acknowledging that a business closure isn’t inherently unlawful, CWA Canada emphasizes that shutting down as a result of its staff forming a union
is indeed illegal under Canadian labor law.
This development casts a spotlight on worker protections and union rights in the rapidly evolving video game industry, particularly in Canada. The incident has ignited a debate about corporate accountability and the legal boundaries surrounding studio closures involving unionized workforces.
CWA Canada’s unwavering commitment to worker protection
Carmel Smyth, president of CWA Canada, expressed profound disappointment, stating, Today’s news is devastating.
She affirmed the union’s resolve to pursue every legal recourse to ensure that the rights of these workers are respected and not infringed in any way,
as reported by Gamesindustry.biz. The union is demanding clear evidence from Ubisoft that the closure is entirely unrelated to the employees’ decision to join a union.
Jon Huffman, a member of the organizing committee at the Ubisoft Halifax union, conveyed the workers’ disappointment. He underscored their collective intention to support each other through this challenging period, highlighting the strong solidarity forged through their unionization efforts. This collective resolve marks a significant moment for labor relations in the gaming sector.
Canadian labor laws generally protect workers’ rights to organize, and employers face strict regulations regarding actions that could be perceived as anti-union. For instance, the Canada Labour Code outlines protections against unfair labor practices, including those intended to deter union formation or activity. Any closure found to be a direct retaliation for unionization could lead to significant legal repercussions for the company.
Ubisoft’s rationale and broader industry context
Ubisoft, in response to inquiries, has maintained that the Halifax studio closure is part of a larger, company-wide strategy. A spokesperson stressed to Gamesindustry.biz that the decision is unrelated to workers unionising.
The company’s official statement cited actions undertaken over the past 24 months
to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
The company confirmed its commitment to supporting the 71 impacted team members during this transition. This support includes comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance,
aiming to mitigate the immediate impact on the affected staff. Ubisoft Halifax, founded in 2010, primarily focused on mobile titles such as Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin’s Creed Rebellion.
This situation unfolds amidst a growing wave of unionization within the video game industry globally. Workers are increasingly seeking collective bargaining to address issues like job security, fair compensation, and workplace conditions. Recent examples, such as those documented by the International Labour Organization, illustrate a global trend towards greater worker advocacy in tech and creative sectors.
The dispute between CWA Canada and Ubisoft regarding the Halifax studio closure sets a crucial precedent for labor relations within the Canadian video game industry. The legal battle ahead will likely scrutinize Ubisoft’s motivations and could redefine the landscape for unionized workers. The outcome will be closely watched by employees, unions, and companies across the sector, potentially influencing future unionization efforts and corporate restructuring decisions.
