IWGB
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Rockstar will hold union vote right on top of Grand Theft Auto 6 release
Rockstar employees will hold a union recognition vote between November 12-26, coinciding with the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The IWGB union aims to become the largest game industry union in the UK, addressing issues like pay, overtime, and AI policies. This vote occurs amidst past controversies, including employee firings that the union labeled as union busting.
GTA 6 Developers Are About To Do Something Historic
Workers at Rockstar Games, the developer of Grand Theft Auto 6, are set to vote on union recognition between November 12-26. The IWGB Union at Rockstar aims to give UK-based developers a stronger voice on issues like pay, overtime, and AI policies. This potential unionization, alongside an ongoing employment tribunal regarding alleged firings for union activity, could set a historic precedent for the UK video game industry.
Conclusion of Rockstar's employment tribunal delayed into November, almost day and date with GTA 6's release
The employment tribunal between Rockstar Games and laid-off union members has been extended into November, coinciding with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The case, which involves allegations of union-busting by Rockstar, will see further witness cross-examination. Separately, Ubisoft announced the closure of RedLynx, developer of the Trials series, and significant layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore, impacting the development of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced.
Rockstar Games’ Union-Busting Tribunal Hearing Will End One Day Before GTA 6’s Release
A tribunal hearing concerning Rockstar Games' alleged union-busting activities has been extended to October, with proceedings concluding just before the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Rockstar maintains that employees were dismissed for gross misconduct, not union activity, while the IWGB union and former employees argue the firings were retaliatory.
"Today, we are fighting fear" - Final hearing in Rockstar Games vs. fired GTA 6 developers tribunal begins
The final hearing in the Rockstar Games employment tribunal against 31 fired developers has begun in Scotland, accompanied by rallies supporting the workers. Fired employee Rachel Crawford spoke about fighting fear in the workplace, while the IWGB union alleges unlawful dismissal and blacklisting due to unionization efforts. Rockstar Games claims the firings were for gross misconduct.
22 trade union leaders have signed a letter joining the call for GTA 6 developer Rockstar to recognise the IWGB Game Workers union
Twenty-two trade union leaders have signed a letter urging Rockstar Games to recognize the IWGB Game Workers union. The letter, addressed to studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato, emphasizes the right of all workers to unionize and calls on Rockstar to begin bargaining with the IWGB. This action follows reports of alleged crunch, a widening gender pay gap, and union-busting tactics at the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer.
"A kick in the teeth for the fired workers": Unionised former MindsEye devs protest alleged fan playtest at Build A Rocket Boy
The IWGB union, representing former employees of Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), protested outside the studio's offices. They accuse BARB of hosting an expenses-paid fan playtest event for their game, MindsEye, shortly after mass layoffs, calling it a "kick in the teeth" to the former workers. The union also alleges BARB management installed surveillance software on employee PCs to identify "saboteurs."
Rockstar Games Employees Request Voluntary Recognition of Union
Employees at Rockstar Games have requested voluntary recognition of the IWGB union, following the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union. If recognized, Rockstar Games would be the second UK studio to unionize, potentially leading to improved worker protections and rights through collective bargaining. The company stated it will engage in open dialogue regarding the union's recognition.
GTA 6 makers have 10 working days to voluntarily recognise Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union or it may go to a government tribunal
The newly formed Rockstar IWGB Game Workers Union is demanding official recognition from Rockstar Games, with a ten-day deadline to voluntarily comply. If Rockstar refuses, the union can pursue statutory recognition through a government tribunal. This effort follows previous unionization attempts and disputes over employee firings.
Build A Rocket Boy facing legal action, Behaviour Interactive cuts jobs, and Xbox has a new 'north star' - Patch Notes #49
This week's gaming news includes Behaviour Interactive confirming job cuts, Microsoft lowering Xbox Game Pass prices, and Nintendo facing lawsuits over tariffs. Build A Rocket Boy is also facing legal action for alleged privacy violations, while the Super Mario Galaxy Movie has surpassed $747 million at the global box office. Xbox is reportedly rethinking its exclusivity strategy and focusing on daily active players.
