Rockstar Games is catching heat for reportedly seeking to sabotage union drives. This backlash comes on the heels of the firing of over 30 laborers in the UK. This particular event seems to have touched a nerve and sparked mass protests. The International Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union is at the forefront, accusing the company of waging a cutthroat campaign against union organizers. Protests were staged outside Rockstar’s offices in Edinburgh and London. These protests underscore the increasing antagonism that has developed between the game development company and its workers.
The IWGB denounced the terminations. They described it as “the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.” Rally participants utilized red and yellow smoke to draw attention, waving signs, flags, and using megaphones to voice their dissent. Pickets occurred outside Take-Two Interactive’s UK headquarters, the parent company of Rockstar, further amplifying the union’s message.
IWGB President Alex Marshall condemned the reality on the ground. He continued, arguing that Rockstar’s behavior reflects disrespect towards workers and gaming enthusiasts alike. He further scorched the company for putting profits ahead of their employees and supporters. This indicates that the dismissals were more than a simple employee misconduct matter, but rather an effort to quash union activity.
Despite these accusations, a representative with Rockstar strongly defended the company’s decision. In response, they insisted that the terminated workers had been proven to be leaking sensitive information. The spokesperson continued, “These are the same actions we recently took last week against several of those individuals. They were found to be sharing, posting and discussing private and confidential company-related information in a public forum—actions that clearly go against our company guidelines. This had nothing to do with individuals’ freedom to form a union or participate in union activities.”
The IWGB argues that the real motivation behind the firings is linked to the employees’ involvement in union activities. Fred Carter, a representative from IWGB, underscored the urgency of their cause by declaring, “They’ve been sacked. And we think this is because they’re union members, and that’s a protected activity in the UK.” Carter urged members of the public to help hold Rockstar accountable and reinstate the fired workers.
Marshall was unsparing in his criticism of management. He argues they are putting union busting ahead of making games, directly citing the holdups of the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI. He stated, “Management are showing they don’t care about delays to GTA VI, and that they’re prioritising union busting by targeting the very people who make the game.”
Opposition and organizing against these firings is growing. They underscore a growing discontent in the gaming world over workers’ rights and corporate accountability. The IWGB is still actively trying to rally support, while demanding accountability from Rockstar in light of these grave accusations.