Ubisoft Halifax workers form first union in North America with shocking 73.8% approval, here’s why it matters

Ubisoft Halifax made gaming history this week when 61 workers voted to form the first union at a Ubisoft studio in North America. The vote marks a stunning shift in labor dynamics for the legendary gaming giant. An overwhelming 73.8% approval rate signals workers’ strong commitment to collective bargaining and workplace protections.

Historic Union Victory Sends Shockwaves Through Gaming Industry

The certification represents a watershed moment for video game workers seeking better protections. All eligible workers participated in the vote, demonstrating remarkable unity among the studio’s staff. The process began when workers filed for unionization in June 2025, but the company initially challenged efforts. After several hearings, Ubisoft eventually dropped its opposition, allowing the vote to proceed in December.

Lead programmer Jon Huffman described the moment as a “huge relief” and called 73.8% approval “a really strong turnout.” He emphasized that every eligible worker cast a ballot, reflecting the membership’s unified commitment to collective representation and workplace advocacy.

What This Union Means for Ubisoft’s North American Operations

Ubisoft Halifax operates primarily as a mobile game development studio, known for titles like Assassin’s Creed Rebellion and Rainbow Six Mobile. The studio was founded in 2010 and officially branded as Ubisoft Halifax in 2015. Its workforce includes approximately 60 employees across various roles including artists, programmers, and quality assurance testers.

The union joins CWA Canada Local 30111, which already represents nearly 120 game workers at Bethesda Game Studios in Montreal and staff at the Montreal Gazette newspaper. This connection positions Ubisoft Halifax within a growing network of unionized game workers seeking industry-wide standards for worker protection and fair practices.

Workers’ Mission: “Partnership, Not Opposition” With Ubisoft

The workers’ mission statement reveals a collaborative vision rather than adversarial approach. The statement emphasizes that unionization occurs “in partnership” with Ubisoft, not in opposition. Workers declared their commitment to “ensuring our studio remains a beacon of equity, excellence, and innovation.” They believe “creativity flourishes when workers feel secure, supported, and empowered.”

This framing distinguishes Ubisoft Halifax‘s union effort from broader industry tensions. Rather than attacking management, workers positioned unionization as strengthening the studio’s culture and output. The approach signals maturity and pragmatism, focusing on shared goals despite new formal bargaining structures.

“Even though it’s taken this long to certify, we’re still dedicated to doing this with Ubisoft. We love where we work, we love who we work with. We’re in this for the long haul.”

— Jon Huffman, Lead Programmer, Ubisoft Halifax

Gaming Industry Momentum: A Year of Historic Labor Organization

The Ubisoft Halifax certification arrives amid unprecedented unionization efforts across the gaming sector. 2025 witnessed multiple major milestones for worker organizing in video game development. Industry surveys reveal that over 60% of game developers now support unions, with more than half wanting personal union membership.

CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth welcomed the certification with optimism, pledging to “get to work negotiating a first collective agreement that recognizes the talent and dedication of these workers.” The momentum reflects broader recognition that gaming workers face industry-wide challenges including crunch culture, job insecurity, and inadequate compensation despite delivering blockbuster titles generating billions in revenue annually.

What Happens Next for Ubisoft Halifax and the Gaming Industry?

Looking ahead, Ubisoft Halifax’s union will focus on defining foundational goals and establishing organizational structures during 2026. Collective bargaining negotiations with Ubisoft will address compensation, working conditions, job security, and protections against mandatory overtime crunch periods. The process mirrors earlier union successes, including Bethesda Game Studios workers who achieved their first contract with improved wage protections and remote work preservation.

Huffman noted that the certification “has started a conversation” throughout the gaming industry, with colleagues at other studios reaching out. While uncertain whether other Ubisoft teams will follow, he emphasized that Halifax “has shown the way forward.” The precedent established in Halifax could inspire broader waves of unionization across North America’s game development landscape, reshaping labor standards industry-wide.

Sources

• CTV News – Original reporting on union certification and worker interviews
• CWA Canada – Official union statements and certification announcements
• Game Developer – Industry analysis and unionization trends