In a landmark move for the North American video game industry, workers at Ubisoft's studio in Halifax, Nova Scotia, have voted to form a union. This creates the first collective bargaining unit within the French gaming giant's operations across the continent.
A Historic Vote for Labor in Gaming
The decision, confirmed on December 22, 2025, marks a significant shift in a sector often characterized by demanding project cycles and job instability. The newly formed union will represent a wide range of employees at the Halifax location, which is involved in development, quality assurance, and other critical studio functions.
This organizing effort is seen as part of a broader trend of labor mobilization within the technology and gaming sectors. Workers are increasingly seeking formal channels to address concerns over wages, working conditions, job security, and creative rights.
Details and Implications of the Unionization
The Halifax studio's unionization is a first for Ubisoft in North America, setting a potential precedent for the company's other major studios in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City. The vote signals that employees are seeking a more structured and powerful voice in corporate decision-making.
While the specific demands of the Halifax union are yet to be fully detailed in collective bargaining, the move is expected to focus on standardizing fair compensation, ensuring sustainable work hours especially during "crunch" periods before game launches, and improving benefits.
The successful union drive in Canada contrasts with the generally lower rate of unionization in the U.S. tech sector and could inspire similar actions at other game development studios across the country.
What This Means for Ubisoft and the Industry
For Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers known for franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, this represents a new chapter in its labor relations. The company will now need to negotiate in good faith with the certified union in Halifax.
Industry analysts suggest this could lead to:
- Increased operational costs for the studio, potentially influencing project budgets.
- A more stable and satisfied workforce, which could improve product quality and employee retention.
- Close scrutiny from other Ubisoft employees worldwide who may consider similar paths.
The formation of the union at Ubisoft Halifax is more than a local news story; it is a bellwether for labor trends in the creative and tech economies. It underscores a growing assertion by skilled digital workers that they deserve the same collective bargaining protections long established in other industries.
