Union CWA Canada says it will “use all legal means” to protect newly unionized employees at soon-to-be-shuttered Ubisoft Halifax.
In a message on the organization's websiteThe union said the timing of the decision to close the studio so close to the formation of the negotiating team “raises many questions.” CWA Canada also notes that it is “unlawful” for a business to close as a result of its employees unionizing, although it says that was not necessarily the case in this case.
“Today’s news is devastating,” said CWA Canada President Carmel Smith.
“We will use all legal means to ensure that the rights of these workers are respected and are not violated in any way.”
“We will be waiting for Ubisoft to show us that this has nothing to do with employees joining a union. Workers, their families, Nova Scotians and all of us who love video games made in Canada deserve nothing less.”
John Huffman, a member of the Ubisoft Halifax union organizing committee, added: “We are obviously disappointed by this news and are fully committed to supporting each other during this difficult time.”
Ubisoft announced the closure of its Halifax studio yesterday (Wednesday, January 7). This news affects 71 employees and is approaching formation of the first union within the French publishing giant's North American business. A Ubisoft representative stressed that GamesIndustry.biz that the closure of the studio is not related to the creation of worker unions.
“Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has taken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency and reduce costs,” the French gaming giant wrote in a statement.
“As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. This will affect 71 positions. We are committed to supporting all affected team members through this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.”
Ubisoft Halifax was founded in 2010 and has focused on mobile games such as Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin's Creed Rebellion in recent years.
