A workforce of over 1,200 Ubisoft developers in Paris and Milan have initiated a strike in response to the company’s recent significant cutbacks and alterations in policies regarding remote work. This strike action was disclosed by Marc Rutschlé, a staff member at Ubisoft Paris and a representative of the Solidaires Informatique union, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.

The primary motivation behind this strike is the cancellation or closure of various games and studios by Ubisoft, potentially resulting in hundreds of job losses. The striking employees are additionally displeased with delayed or insufficient salary increments and Ubisoft’s new prohibition on remote or hybrid work arrangements, opting instead for a yearly allocation of remote work days. They express a lack of confidence in Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, suggesting that he is out of touch with the company and its employees.

“It is evident to us that Yves Guillemot lacks understanding of his own company and its workforce,” remarked Rutschlé in statements relayed to GamesIndustry.biz. “The company is proceeding with its cost-cutting measures and staff reduction plans. Our teams are already burdened with heavy workloads, often working with inadequate staffing levels. Following several years without significant pay raises, it appears that employees will once again not receive a raise this year.”

The strike is scheduled to span three days from February 10th to 12th, following a brief half-day strike on January 22nd, shortly after Ubisoft’s announcement of restructuring. Solidaires Informatique, along with other unions including STJV, CGT, Printemps Ecologique, and CFE-CGC, issued a global call to action towards the end of the previous month. However, Rutschlé noted that the majority of strike activities have primarily taken place in France.

Best of luck to the UbiStrikers! As the saying goes, “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few Guillemot eggs.”