In a groundbreaking development for the gaming sector, around 60 employees from the Ubisoft Halifax studio have voted to form the first Ubisoft union in North America. The Nova Scotia Labour Board granted official certification on December 18, 2025, marking a significant triumph for game workers striving for greater job stability in a rapidly evolving industry.
An impressive 74% of staff members participated in the union certification vote, which took place six months after the initial filing on June 18, 2025. This historic union, represented by CWA Canada Local 30111, brings together producers, programmers, designers, and artists, signifying a unified effort to tackle the pressing issues within the gaming world.
The establishment of the Ubisoft Halifax union is notable not only for the studio itself but also as part of a larger trend within the industry, where workers are increasingly seeking formal protections in the face of widespread layoffs and studio closures. The momentum behind this movement reflects the growing recognition that even established corporations like Ubisoft must address their employees’ concerns regarding job security and working conditions.
The newly formed union emphasizes collaboration with Ubisoft rather than confrontation. Workers seek to position the Halifax studio as a model of fairness, excellence, and creativity. Their goals likely include securing job security provisions against unexpected layoffs, improving benefits, reevaluating compensation, and fostering a healthier workplace culture. Many game developers face grueling work schedules, particularly during major project launches, and union representation could facilitate negotiations for fairer workload expectations and better work-life balance.
The timeline for this accomplishment showcases the dedication of Ubisoft Halifax employees. With the union filing on June 18, 2025, followed by the certification vote on December 18, 2025, workers utilized this six-month period to build support while management engaged with the process. Now, the focus shifts to negotiating a collective agreement that will establish tangible improvements in employment conditions.
CWA Canada, which represents 6,000 workers across various sectors including media and digital entertainment, reinforces its commitment to labor rights within the gaming industry through this new union affiliation. Already representing nearly 120 game workers at Bethesda Game Studios in Montreal, the inclusion of Ubisoft Halifax into Local 30111 fortifies the union’s influence in gaming and encourages a larger advocacy movement in the sector.
Carmel Smyth, President of CWA Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the recent certification, urging members to swiftly move forward with negotiations that acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these employees. The certification is just the beginning, as the forthcoming negotiations will be pivotal in determining whether the union can secure significant advancements in compensation and working conditions, as well as nurture a supportive workplace environment.
As this union movement gains traction, it could inspire gaming workers at other Ubisoft studios worldwide. The recent success at Ubisoft Halifax serves as a beacon of hope amidst an industry characterized by instability and worker fatigue. The upcoming months hold the potential for meaningful change, as the union’s efforts could pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for game workers everywhere.