Unions at Ubisoft’s AAA and mobile studios in Barcelona have filed a lawsuit against publisher Assassin’s Creed over its changes to its remote work policy.
Affiliating with Spanish trade body CGT (General Confederation of Labour), unions are demanding that Ubisoft reverse the return-to-office mandate and ensure remote work is protected by a collective agreement.
As detailed in an email sent to GamesIndustry.biz, The unions claimed that although both sides were willing to negotiate, management had yet to submit a proposal since the lawsuit was filed on October 14.
Ubisoft’s proposed changes will supposedly see employees return to work at least three days a week.
This will replace current monthly remote work guidelines that provide 60% of monthly days, chosen by workers, from home. Those working full-time from home will also need to follow the policy.
The unions claim that Ubisoft’s decision was made “suddenly and without transparency”, highlighting that it would create logistical problems as offices are not prepared to accommodate all remote workers at once.
Ubisoft reportedly said the return-to-office mandate was for “team creativity” and “better communication,” but the unions argue that “management has consistently failed to present any real tangible benefits to support this measure.”
GameIndustry.biz has contacted Ubisoft for comment.
In September, more than 700 Ubisoft France employees participated in a three-day strike in response to the same return-to-the-office mandate. Last month, Ubisoft Milan employees called a one-day strike in solidarity with Ubisoft France.
