French union preparing collective lawsuit against Ubisoft amid abuse allegations

France-based union Solidaires Informatique is working on a collective lawsuit against Assassin's Creed publisher Ubisoft, following claims of harassment and abuse at the company.

The defense is being led by Maude Beckers, a lawyer specialised in labour law and discrimination. The union has put out an open call to victims of actions by Ubisoft staff members, as well as any organisations who wish to help build the case.

Solidaires Informatique promises total confidentiality and legal support, and it is not necessary to be a member of the union to take part.

"The repeated acts of harassment and sexual assault, sexists acts and discrimination, as well as the impunity that the group has been subjected to over many years, must be explained and repaired," the group said in its statement.

"The exclusion of a few prominent individuals, such as [chief creative officer] Serge Hascoët is not enough, as those who have benefited from the group's activities are hiding under their leadership."

The news follows reports that PR director Stone Chin has been fired, allegedly as part of efforts to root out the toxicity from Ubisoft's workforce.

Ubisoft currently faces multiple allegations of abuse and harassment, particularly around the mistreatment of women.

So far, several executives have stepped down or been dismissed, some facing accusations of their own and others in protest against the company's toxic culture.

In addition to Hascoët stepping down, director of Candian studios Yannis Mallat and global head of HR Cécile Cornet also left their positions.

Solidaires Informatique quotes Cornet in its statement, who reportedly said: "Yves [Guillemot, Ubisoft CEO] is okay with toxic management, as long as the results of these managers exceed their toxicity level."

Vice president of editorial Maxime Béland resigned following accusations of misconduct and abuse, while video president of editorial and creative services Tommy François has been placed on administrative leave while Ubisoft investigates.

An unnamed member of staff from Ubisoft Toronto has been terminated.

It was recently reported that many cases of toxic behaviour had been flagged to Ubisoft's HR department, but little to no action was taken.

An exposé yesterday revealed the toxic attitude against women even extends to Ubisoft's games, with executives insisting a male protagonist be added to Assassin's Creed Odyssey because female leads don't sell as many units.

Solidaires Informatique previously worked with Game Workers Unite to secure testimonials regarding the alleged presence of sexual predators at French developer Quantic Dream.

Ubisoft is one of many companies facing allegations during a recent wave of new reports that call out abusive behaviour across the industry.