Union files labour board complaint after Ubisoft closes Halifax studio

CWA Canada filed a labour board complaint after Ubisoft announced on Jan. 7 it would close its Halifax studio three weeks after the union was certified to represent most staff.

The union representing employees at Ubisoft’s Halifax office has filed a labour board complaint over the studio’s closure. CWA Canada was certified last month to represent 61 of the studio’s 71 workers. Three weeks after that certification, the France-based company announced on Jan. 7 that the Halifax office would be closed, citing cost and efficiency concerns. The union says the closure was intended to prevent the newly organized workers from joining the union. Known details: - CWA Canada filed a labour board complaint accusing Ubisoft of closing the Halifax studio to keep out the union. - The union was certified to represent 61 of 71 employees three weeks before Ubisoft announced the Jan. 7 closure. - The union said it planned to meet with the company on Wednesday and is asking for compensation and new jobs for laid-off workers. - CBC News asked Nova Scotia’s finance department whether provincial tax credits received by Ubisoft can be recouped, but had not received a response. Summary: The union’s filing formalizes its allegation that the shutdown followed union certification and was aimed at avoiding unionization. The labour board complaint is in process and the union has scheduled a meeting with Ubisoft; next procedural steps at the labour board are undetermined at this time.