Union files labour board complaint over Ubisoft Halifax closure

CWA Canada filed a labour board complaint after Ubisoft closed its Halifax studio on Jan. 7 shortly after staff formed a union; Ubisoft says the shutdown was part of broader restructuring.

Ubisoft closed its Halifax studio on January 7, affecting 71 employees and prompting a legal response. The closure came weeks after staff successfully formed a union to represent 61 workers. CWA Canada says the shutdown was intended to keep out the union, while Ubisoft states the decision was part of wider restructuring that predated the union certification. Key facts: - CWA Canada has filed a complaint with the labour board alleging the studio was closed to avoid the newly formed union. - Ubisoft closed the Halifax studio on Jan. 7; the site employed 71 people and the union had been certified to represent 61 workers. - The union has requested company records to show financial necessity, and the labour board complaint is now pending; specific next hearing or procedural dates were not stated. Summary: The dispute focuses on competing accounts of why the Halifax studio was closed, with the union alleging anti-union motive and the company citing broader cost-cutting. Ubisoft noted other recent closures and layoffs as part of its restructuring. The labour board complaint has been filed and further procedural steps are undetermined at this time.