The Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union has initiated a petition aimed at safeguarding a hybrid work arrangement for its members, and the campaign has already attracted more than three hundred signatures. The petition, which seeks to protect the ability of employees to split their time between the office and remote locations, was announced on September 30 by the Game Workers Unite Montreal (GWU) union through a series of social‑media posts.
In the union’s announcement, every staff member at Ubisoft Montreal was urged to add their name to the petition, and supporters were encouraged to spread the word within their personal and professional circles. The union specifically asked employees to take advantage of break periods to sign the document in person, noting that the majority of signatures have been collected through face‑to‑face interactions rather than online forms. The United Videogame Workers Union, which operates under the umbrella of the CWA, publicly endorsed the petition.
In its statement, UVW‑CWA praised the Ubisoft Montreal union for "leading the change in our collective struggle for dignified work and economic justice," emphasizing that the push for hybrid work is part of a broader movement for fair labor standards in the gaming industry. UVW‑CWA highlighted several groups that are disproportionately affected by rigid return‑to‑office policies.
These include parents who need flexible schedules to care for children, employees with disabilities who may find commuting challenging, staff who have purchased homes far from the studio’s location, expatriates who relocated internationally for their jobs, and creatives who thrive when given the autonomy to work remotely. The union warned that management’s unilateral decisions on workplace arrangements often ignore the lived realities of the very workers they impact. The statement went on to criticize recent cost‑cutting measures and the rollback of previously negotiated agreements, arguing that corporate leaders must be held accountable for the human consequences of such policies.
"When companies impose harsh cost‑saving tactics and abandon prior commitments, they ignore the personal and professional costs borne by their workforce," the union wrote. Ubisoft’s own rationale for the return‑to‑office mandate stems from a restructuring effort earlier this year that introduced the concept of "Creative Houses." Under this model, the company requires all employees to be present in the office five days a week, while offering a limited annual allowance for work‑from‑home days.
Senior Vice President of Studio Operations Marie‑Sophie de Waubert explained to GamesIndustry.biz that the goal is to "strengthen onsite collaboration and the collective dynamic across teams." She argued that in‑person interaction is a crucial driver of efficiency, creativity, and overall success in a highly competitive market. "It is one enabler among many, but it is one we truly believe in," she said. De Waubert also noted that Ubisoft intends to discuss the specifics of the new model with each country’s operations, allowing for some flexibility as the approach evolves. "The objective is closely tied to the quality of our games and the quality of our creativity," she added, suggesting that the hybrid model is meant to help the Creative Houses regain momentum, achieve commercial success, and boost team engagement.
Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duguet echoed similar sentiments, stating that the company will continue dialogues with employees, their representatives, and individual teams. He framed the shift as a strategy to "further boost collective performance for AAA titles," implying that a more centralized work environment would enhance the studio’s capacity to deliver high‑budget, high‑profile projects. The tension between management’s office‑centric policies and employee preferences is not new.
Earlier in February, Ubisoft faced a three‑day international strike in response to the restructuring and the newly imposed return‑to‑office requirement. At least 1,200 staff members participated, according to Marc Rutschlé, a representative of the Solidaires Informatique union at Ubisoft Paris, who confirmed the numbers to GamesIndustry.biz.
Ubisoft later issued a separate statement indicating that 528 employees had officially reported themselves as being on strike during that period. The current petition reflects ongoing discontent among Ubisoft Montreal workers, who argue that a strict five‑day office schedule fails to accommodate the diverse needs of a modern, global workforce. By gathering more than 300 signatures, the union hopes to demonstrate substantial employee backing for a more flexible, hybrid arrangement that balances the benefits of in‑person collaboration with the personal and logistical realities of remote work. Supporters of the petition contend that hybrid work can still foster the collaborative culture Ubisoft values while granting employees the autonomy to manage their own schedules, reduce commuting stress, and maintain a healthier work‑life balance.
They point to industry studies showing that hybrid models often lead to higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover, and sustained productivity—outcomes that align with Ubisoft’s stated goals of creative excellence and market competitiveness. As the petition gains momentum, it remains to be seen how Ubisoft’s leadership will respond. The company has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue, but the ultimate decision will likely hinge on how effectively the union can translate its signature count into concrete negotiation leverage.
For now, the Ubisoft Workers of Montreal Union continues to rally its members and allies, urging them to add their voices to the call for a hybrid work future that respects both the company’s ambitions and the well‑being of its staff.