French unions are contacting Ubisoft employees in the nation to strike on February 14, 2024, in reaction to inadequate wage boosts.
Computer game employees union STJV published the call to arms on its site and stated that current settlements with the Assassin’s Creed publisher, in which it searched for an “appropriate compromise” and resolve wage issues, eventually struck a wall.
“In order to strike approximate expense decreases targets, [Ubisoft] management used a spending plan devoted to raises that would be lower than inflation for the 2nd year in a row,” stated STJV.
Unhappy workers speaking to the union asked why employees ought to accept low raises when Ubisoft continues to beat expectations. In 2015, the business kept in mind that 2nd quarter net reservations were “well above target” after reaching EUR554.8 million($597 million). That pattern continued into the 3rd quarter, with Ubisoft just the other day keeping in mind that Q3 net reservations stayed “somewhat ahead of target” at EUR626.2 million.
Simply put, that indicates the business is beating its own targets, however employees in France feel they aren’t being adequately rewarded for their part because success.
“To Ubisoft’s management, our living requirements decreasing isn’t a bug, it’s a function. A business that still earns a profit, even when its officers have actually stopped working consistently, selecting to have its staff members pay to increase its earnings is clearly inappropriate,” continued STJV.
“This is why we call, in association with the other combative unions at Ubisoft, to a strike all day on Wednesday, February 14, in all the French entities coming from the Ubisoft group.”
Another French union, Solidaires Informatique, has actually included its voice to that rallying cry and urged Ubisoft employees to decide (thanks Dead Game. In a post on Xthe union stated “Ubisoft staff members are worthy of genuine raises, not crumbs from the one in charges.”
A union agent informed Game Developer that Ubisoft has actually provided workers raises of in between 2 to 3 percent, which is in fact less than the “horrible” raises promoted in 2015.
They stated it’s completely possible that Ubisoft might cut an offer with employees before the strike occurs, ending the requirement for a walkout. That, nevertheless, appears not likely provided settlements have actually been going on for weeks. “I have an excellent sensation about the strike,” they included. “Colleagues looks really mad.”
The French right to strike
It’s essential to keep in mind that French labor laws basically approve all employees the right to strike, regardless of whether they’re a union member.
As highlighted in this explainer from Le Mondethe right to strike in France is lawfully specified as “the cumulative and collective cessation of operate in view of supporting expert needs,” allowing most of workers to take cumulative action versus their companies.
Ubisoft decreased to comment when approached by Game Developer.
About the Author(s)
News Editor, GameDeveloper.com
Video game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an acclaimed reporter and press reporter with over a years of experience in the video game market. His byline has actually appeared in noteworthy print and digital publications consisting of Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.bizThroughout his profession, Chris has actually covered significant market occasions consisting of GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has actually included on the evaluating panel at The Develop Star Awards on numerous celebrations and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to talk about breaking news.