Last year in October, around 30 to 40 employees across offices in the United Kingdom and Canada were fired by Rockstar who were also members of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and the organization called out Rockstar’s actions as “the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.” And while Rockstar had claimed that the firings were done solely cause the employees were leaking sensitive game features and information (which may have included detail on the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6) and not cause they were part of a union, the legal ramifications are continuing to this day.
Although Rockstar is yet to be given a final verdict on the allegations of union busting, the IWGB has gained considerable support by multiple local MPs in the meantime.
“From my first meeting with constituents impacted by Rockstar’s mass dismissal, I have held concerns with both the handling and motivation behind this action,” states Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh. “Constituents have lost their jobs, their income, with one constituent even forced to leave the country due to the removal of their visa sponsor. During a recent meeting with a constituent they explained Rockstar’s justification for their dismissal has varied throughout this process. Rockstar must answer this case with transparency and full cooperation and uphold the right to appeal.”
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, has stated that it was “extremely disappointing that Rockstar has refused to properly engage with staff, representatives and trade unions throughout this process. Workers asking for fairness, transparency and respect should not be met with silence and closed doors, especially when livelihoods and workplace rights are at stake.”
“The UK Government is overseeing the largest expansion of workers’ rights in a generation, and as Members of Parliament we have a duty to challenge unfair employment practices and unjust dismissals. Rockstar must therefore cooperate fully and transparently with any investigations into alleged union-busting and ensure that both dismissed and current employees are treated fairly and with respect,” said Dr. Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West.
Also, earlier this year, the Glasgow Employment Tribunal had rejected the application for interim relief for the fired Rockstar developers, which is a legal mechanism that would’ve enabled financial support for the employees while they wait for a full hearing.
And while it’s currently unknown which way the situation may go into, it can very well put some stain on Rockstar’s reputation as a company which wouldn’t be desirable for obvious reasons, especially at a time when the entire world is waiting for their upcoming Open World behemoth GTA 6 that’s currently slated to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 19 November, 2026.
