In a significant move on the labor front, 74% of Ubisoft Halifax’s team has voted to join a wall-to-wall union, aligning with CWA Canada Local 30111. This unionization effort adds 60 employees from varied roles such as producers, programmers, and designers to the union, joining the ranks of other studios like Bethesda Game Studios Montreal.
Unity in Creativity: Ubisoft Halifax’s Union Move
Ubisoft Halifax has articulated that this unionization is a collaborative effort rather than a conflict with the company. Their mission is to ensure the studio remains a hub of equity and innovation, emphasizing that creativity thrives when the workforce feels secure and empowered. This sentiment echoes across the gaming industry, where uncertainty is rampant.
Industry-Wide Unionization Gains Momentum
This development follows the footsteps of other studios such as id Software, which recently saw 165 developers join the CWA. The year 2025 has been pivotal, with ZeniMax Workers QA closing a deal with Microsoft, and hundreds of developers from titles such as Diablo and Overwatch 2 voting for unionization.
Challenges in the Gaming Industry
Ubisoft, like many in the industry, has experienced layoffs, with significant cuts at locations such as Ubisoft Leamington and Massive Entertainment. Amidst these challenges, the union aims to negotiate a first collective agreement that truly acknowledges the dedication of its workers.
CWA Canada is also active beyond Ubisoft, urging scrutiny over major acquisitions like EA’s buyout and protesting against alleged union-busting activities at Rockstar Toronto. Accusations against Rockstar stem from the controversial dismissal of workers, with claims of unjust termination over discussions about working conditions.
This unionization at Ubisoft Halifax marks a bold step towards stability and creative freedom in a tumultuous industry.