The Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union (UWM) has initiated a petition aimed at safeguarding a hybrid work arrangement for its members, and the effort has already attracted more than three hundred signatures. The campaign, which began on September 30, was publicized through the union’s social‑media channels and quickly gathered momentum among both Ubisoft staff and external supporters. According to a report by Game Developer, the petition was launched by Game Workers Unite Montreal (GWU), a local chapter of the broader Game Workers Unite network.
The union’s announcement urged every employee at Ubisoft’s Montreal studio to add their name to the petition and encouraged allies to spread the word within their own circles. The message emphasized that signatures could be collected in person during break times, noting that the majority of the current signatures had been gathered face‑to‑face in the office lobby and common areas.
The United Videogame Workers Union, which operates under the umbrella of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), publicly endorsed the petition. In its statement, UVW‑CWA praised the UWM union for "leading the change in our collective struggle for dignified work and economic justice," and highlighted the broader implications of Ubisoft’s return‑to‑office policy. The union argued that such top‑down decisions often overlook the lived realities of workers, including parents who need flexible schedules, employees with disabilities, staff who have purchased homes far from the office, expatriates who relocated for the job, and professionals who simply thrive in a remote environment.
"Return‑to‑office mandates are one of many policies that management imposes without consulting the very people most affected by them," the UVW‑CWA statement read. "By imposing harsh cost‑cutting measures and reneging on previously negotiated agreements, company leadership must be held accountable for the human cost of their decisions." Ubisoft’s own rationale for the shift back to a full‑time office presence was outlined earlier in the year when the company announced a restructuring into so‑called Creative Houses.
As part of that reorganization, the studio introduced a policy requiring employees to work on‑site five days a week, while still granting a limited number of work‑from‑home days per year. Senior Vice President of Studio Operations Marie‑Sophie de Waubert explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the move was intended to "strengthen onsite collaboration and the collective dynamic across teams." She argued that in‑person interaction is a key driver of efficiency, creativity, and overall success in a highly competitive market, describing it as "one enabler among others" for the Creative Houses model. De Waubert added that the company would eventually discuss the specifics of the new model with its various international locations, stressing that the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of Ubisoft’s games and the creative output of its teams.
"We will, of course, discuss in due time with the different countries the modus operandi, and the flexibility linked to that evolution of our model," she said. "But the objective is really linked to the quality of our games and the quality of our creativity." Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duguet echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the changes were meant to "boost collective performance for AAA titles" and that discussions with employees and their representatives would continue. He framed the policy as a strategic response to market pressures rather than a punitive measure.
The petition emerges against a backdrop of ongoing labor unrest at Ubisoft. In February, the studio experienced a three‑day international strike in protest of the restructuring and the return‑to‑office mandate. Over 1,200 employees participated, according to union representative Marc Rutschlé of Solidaires Informatique, who confirmed the numbers to GamesIndustry.biz. Ubisoft later reported that 528 staff members had formally declared themselves on strike in a separate statement, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction among the workforce.
Supporters of the hybrid‑work petition argue that a flexible schedule can preserve employee wellbeing while still allowing for the collaborative benefits of occasional in‑person meetings. They point to research indicating that hybrid models can increase productivity, reduce burnout, and broaden the talent pool by accommodating workers who live farther from major office hubs. Critics, however, maintain that a fully on‑site presence fosters spontaneous idea exchange and a stronger corporate culture, especially in creative industries where rapid iteration is essential. As the petition continues to gather signatures, the union is urging Ubisoft’s management to reconsider the rigidity of its current policy and to engage in genuine dialogue with staff representatives.
The ultimate aim is to reach a compromise that balances the company’s desire for cohesive teamwork with the diverse needs of its global workforce. Whether Ubisoft will adjust its stance remains to be seen, but the growing support for the petition signals a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about the future of work in the video‑game industry.