The Bethesda Game Studios employees' union sharply criticized Xbox, stating that the company's management unfairly treated employees at its Montreal division who were affected by the recent wave of layoffs.
It should be recalled that Xbox is continuing a large-scale restructuring, during which thousands of employees have been laid off, several studios have been closed or reorganized, and numerous game projects have been affected.
Union representatives reported that the laid-off Bethesda Montreal employees were offered the minimum severance pay legally possible, while the company did not negotiate with the union.
According to the organization, on July 6, dozens of Bethesda Game Studios employees in the US and Canada learned about upcoming layoffs during a video conference. They were then told that they would remain on staff until September, while the company would discuss compensation terms with the union.
However, the situation changed on July 17. At the end of the workday, employees of the Canadian division, who worked on the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series, received emails notifying them of their termination. According to the union, this contradicted previously stated promises.
According to the letters, employees are only entitled to the minimum compensation provided by Canadian law: eight weeks of salary instead of the mandatory notice period, payment for unused vacation, and other legally mandated accruals. In addition, employees immediately lost their corporate health insurance.
The union stated that it does not intend to leave the situation unanswered. The organization has already filed another legal complaint against Bethesda, accusing the company of continued violation of Canadian labor law.
In conclusion, union representatives emphasized that Bethesda and Xbox management earn millions thanks to the labor of employees, but during a crisis, it is the employees who pay for management's mistakes. According to the organization, they intend to seek to protect their rights by all available legal means.