The French Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) union has called for an open-ended strike at Star Wars Eclipse developer Quantic Dream. The action comes as negotiations surrounding staff layoffs, prompted by the studio's decision to cease development of the MOBA Spellcasters Chronicles, continue to face significant contention.
According to the union, roughly 115 workers are affected by the planned cuts. The STJV is demanding an extension to the current negotiation period, citing what they describe as Quantic Dream's "imposed illegal deadlines" and a perceived lack of good faith from management. In a blog post dated August 4th, the union accused the company of wasting a substantial portion of the negotiation time on procedural matters and refusing to provide necessary documentation, which they allege was justified by claims that negotiators might "corrupt" the information.
The STJV further stated that Quantic Dream executives, including CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière, have largely ignored proposals put forth by worker representatives during negotiation meetings. The union contends that the company's management is attempting to fulfill only the minimum legal requirements for these layoffs, despite the market and developer motivation remaining strong. They argue that Quantic Dream should offer more equitable layoff conditions to employees whose jobs are being terminated solely due to the company's strategic decisions.
Expressing concern that the negotiation process risks becoming a mere formality for executives determined to proceed unilaterally, the STJV initiated an open-ended strike on August 5th. Their demands include an extension of the negotiation period and, at a minimum, the incorporation of worker representatives' proposals into the final layoff plan.
This action follows a broader call for a national strike within the French games industry in June, also initiated by the STJV in response to the Quantic Dream layoffs. Previously, in June, Quantic Dream had assured IGN that the development of Star Wars Eclipse was proceeding as planned, with the full commitment of its team and necessary resources, despite the concurrent layoff announcements.