Halifax video game workers form first Ubisoft union in North America
The workers at Ubisoft's Halifax office have taken a significant step towards collective bargaining rights, becoming the first in North America to unionize. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence and industry-wide layoffs. With approximately 60 employees voting in favor of unionization, the team aims to address these issues and ensure their voices are heard.
T.J. Gillis, a senior server developer at Ubisoft Halifax, expressed his worries about the increasing role of AI in the industry and the recent closure of a Microsoft gaming studio in Halifax, Alpha Dog. Gillis highlighted the lack of support and union representation in the face of layoffs, emphasizing the need for a collective approach.
The unionization process began when Gillis contacted CWA Canada, a labor union representing workers in various industries. CWA Canada also represents around 120 Montreal-based employees at Bethesda Game Studios, which is owned by Microsoft and known for popular titles like Fallout. Gillis believes that unionization is crucial to maintaining the artistic integrity of game development, especially with the integration of AI.
The union was established six months after the initial union certification process and after a 74% majority vote in favor of joining CWA Canada. This marks a significant milestone as Ubisoft, a global video game giant with offices worldwide, has now formed its first union in North America. The company has unionized workforces in other regions, but this is the first instance in the United States and Canada.
A Ubisoft spokesperson acknowledged the decision made by the Nova Scotia Labour Board and expressed their commitment to full cooperation with the board and union representatives. Carmel Smyth, the president of CWA Canada, noted the positive response from other tech company employees who are now inspired to follow Ubisoft Halifax's lead. Smyth emphasized the importance of unions in an industry driven by the hard work and dedication of its workers.
Despite the progress, Smyth acknowledges that unions are still relatively new in the gaming industry in North America. She highlights the vulnerability of workers without union protection, where companies can make decisions like layoffs without prior consultation. Smyth believes that unionization can help mitigate these issues and give workers a stronger voice.
Gillis and his colleagues at Ubisoft Halifax aim to maintain their current workplace and have a say in its future growth. They hope that this union will inspire other workers in the industry to take similar action. The success of this union could potentially lead to a wave of unionization across the North American video game industry, addressing the concerns of workers and shaping the future of the industry.
