Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain
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Rockstar Games employees have locked in a union vote next month, and it'll take place over Grand Theft Auto 6's release window
Rockstar Games employees will vote on union recognition between November 12th and 26th, a period that spans the release window of Grand Theft Auto 6. This vote follows a legal dispute over alleged unfair firings, with the union accusing Rockstar of union busting.
Rockstar UK Staff Will Vote on IWGB Union Recognition as GTA 6 Launches
Rockstar Games staff in the UK will vote on union recognition for the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain from November 12 to 26, coinciding with the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. The potential recognition deal covers pay, overtime, and AI policies, aiming to make the IWGB the largest union in the UK games industry. This vote is separate from an ongoing tribunal concerning the dismissal of 31 employees, which the union alleges was union-busting.
Rockstar Games, IWGB to Vote on Union Formation Between November 12th and 26th
Rockstar Games and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) have agreed to hold a union formation vote between November 12th and 26th. This vote will allow workers to have a say on issues including pay, overtime, and generative AI policies. The timing of the vote coincides with the pre-load and release of Grand Theft Auto 6 and a union-busting tribunal hearing.
The day GTA 6 pre-loading starts, unionizing Rockstar developers will vote on the future of the legendary studio:…
Rockstar Games developers will vote on forming a union from November 12-26, coinciding with the pre-loading period for Grand Theft Auto 6. The Independent Workers' union of Great Britain is facilitating the vote, which aims to give employees a say in pay, working conditions, and company policies. This move follows a history of alleged crunch and recent firings, with union representatives expressing a desire for greater transparency and job security.
UK-based Rockstar devs will be putting their union recognition to a vote during GTA 6's launch next month
Rockstar Games employees in the UK will vote on union recognition with the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) during the launch month of Grand Theft Auto 6. The vote, scheduled from November 12th to November 26th, coincides with an ongoing employment tribunal concerning alleged union-busting layoffs from a year prior. Union representatives express a desire for greater transparency regarding pay, overtime, and job security.
Demystifying unions: What games leaders need to know
This article provides insights for video game company leaders on understanding and working with labor unions, emphasizing a collaborative rather than combative approach. It highlights new UK Employment Rights Act changes that mandate union access and discusses how to foster ongoing, productive relationships, noting that strikes are a last resort. The piece also touches on the importance of seeking legal advice and separating wider union issues from individual circumstances, using the Rockstar Games vs. IWGB case as an example.
UK tribunal examining Rockstar’s alleged union busting is extended into mid-November
The UK employment tribunal examining allegations of union busting against Rockstar Games has been extended into mid-November. Rockstar's lawyers requested more time for cross-examination, delaying the final ruling. The case centers on whether Rockstar illegally fired 34 employees for attempting to unionize.
Rockstar 'union busting' tribunal extended to November 18th, days before GTA 6's release date
The employment tribunal between the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain and Rockstar Games has been extended to November 18th, just days before Grand Theft Auto 6's release. The case centers on allegations that Rockstar fired staff to prevent unionization efforts, a claim the company disputes, citing gross misconduct. Closing arguments will now take place in mid-November, with a judge's ruling to follow.
Rockstar HR manager claims he had "little interest" in staff's union membership status as fired GTA dev union-busting trail heats up
Rockstar Games is facing allegations of union-busting in an ongoing lawsuit where 31 former employees claim they were unlawfully dismissed due to their union membership. An HR manager, Charlie Kinloch, testified that he had "little interest" in evidence of unionization efforts, prioritizing concerns about disparagement and misinformation, especially in the lead-up to the Grand Theft Auto 6 release.
Rockstar hasn't said anything about a GTA 6 Online multiplayer mode just yet, but Twitch's CEO reckons it'll land next year
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy predicts that Grand Theft Auto 6's multiplayer component will launch next year, potentially in the latter half of 2025. While Rockstar Games has not officially commented on the multiplayer, Clancy's statement suggests a staggered release similar to Red Dead Redemption 2. The article also touches on Take-Two Interactive's willingness to support legacy titles and ongoing labor disputes at Rockstar North.
MindsEye and Everywhere developer Build A Rocket Boy appears to be headed for shutdown after fresh layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye and Everywhere, appears to be facing shutdown following significant layoffs. Insiders suggest the studio is winding down operations, though official statements are pending. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has spoken out against alleged mistreatment of employees and pledged support to those affected.
Rockstar and IWGB outline arguments at start of tribunal
Rockstar Games and the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain are presenting their arguments at an employment tribunal concerning the dismissal of 34 Rockstar staff. The claimants allege they were fired due to union activities, while Rockstar claims the dismissals were due to gross misconduct and a leak of confidential information, citing past incidents like the Grand Theft Auto 6 footage leak.
'It would have been insanity to take no action' - Fiery opening statements reveal Rockstar's culture of secrecy as tribunal against sacked GTA 6 employees begins
Rockstar Games and the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) presented opposing opening statements in a tribunal concerning the dismissal of 31 Rockstar North employees. The IWGB alleges Rockstar monitored a private Discord server used for union organizing and took action only after the union reached a recognition threshold, while Rockstar claims the dismissals were due to uncovered misconduct and breaches of confidentiality related to Grand Theft Auto 6 development.
Rockstar and fired GTA developers outline core arguments during union busting tribunal
Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive are facing accusations of union busting in an ongoing employment tribunal in Glasgow, UK. The fired workers allege their dismissals were retaliation for union activity, while Rockstar claims the 34 employees were terminated for gross misconduct and leaking confidential information, including details about Grand Theft Auto VI. The company emphasizes the need for strict confidentiality to protect trade secrets, comparing them to Coca-Cola's formula.
'The modern workplace runs on fear ... today we are fighting fear': Fired Grand Theft Auto 6 dev calls out Rockstar in impassioned pre-trial speech
A final workplace tribunal hearing has begun for 31 former Rockstar Games employees fired in October 2025, with the Independent Workers of Great Britain union alleging union busting. Former programmer Rachel Crawford delivered a powerful speech about the fear-driven workplace culture at Rockstar, urging attendees to fight for better industry standards. The union and employees are seeking fair compensation or reinstatement, and are not calling for a boycott of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6.
'Justice at last feels within reach:' Fired Rockstar workers rally in Glasgow as union busting tribunal begins
Former Rockstar Games employees are rallying in Glasgow as a tribunal begins, accusing the company of union busting after firing over 30 workers for alleged trade union activity. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) supports the fired staff, calling the dismissals a "blatant and ruthless act of union busting." Rockstar Games maintains the employees were dismissed for gross misconduct due to sharing confidential information.
As final hearing over GTA firings begins, Rockstar reiterate they "reject the claims" made by union and will defend themselves "vigorously"
Rockstar Games is vigorously defending itself against claims of wrongful termination and union busting in a final tribunal hearing that began September 10th. The company states 34 former employees were fired for gross misconduct due to sharing confidential information, not for union activity, a stance the Independent Workers’ union of Great Britain disputes. The union is seeking a ruling of unfair dismissal for the former staff.
"Justice at last feels within reach": Final hearing in Rockstar and fired GTA devs' legal battle will kick off with a union rally
The final hearing in the legal battle between former Rockstar Games employees and the studio over their dismissal begins September 10th, with the Independent Workers’ union of Great Britain (IWGB) representing the staff. The IWGB accuses Rockstar of union busting after 34 employees were fired for discussing company policy in a union-run Discord server. A rally is planned for the opening day of the hearing, which is expected to run until October 15th.
Final hearing for Rockstar’s firing of unionized workers is set to begin this week
The final hearing for the case between Rockstar Games and a group of developers fired last year is set to begin before the Glasgow Employment Tribunal. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) announced the hearing will run from September 10th to October 16th, with the developers seeking reinstatement or compensation for unfair dismissal. The IWGB alleges Rockstar engaged in union busting by firing members of a private union Discord.
"Rockstar has tried to get away with Grand Theft Employment Rights" - Final hearing in Rockstar vs. GTA 6 fired employees begins this week
Rockstar Games is facing a final employment tribunal hearing over allegations that it unlawfully fired and blacklisted 31 employees from its Rockstar North studio for unionizing. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain is seeking reinstatement or compensation for the workers, who claim they were discussing salaries and HR issues. The case is ongoing as the world anticipates the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
