Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
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Quantic Dream Insists Its Star Wars Eclipse Team Has 'All the Necessary Resources to Complete Its Mission,' Despite Striking Staff Claiming Risk of Cancellation
Quantic Dream has stated that Star Wars Eclipse is proceeding as planned, despite recent studio layoffs and claims from striking employees that the project is at risk of cancellation. The studio insists the development team has all necessary resources to complete the mission.
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.
Grand Theft Auto developers seek union recognition at Rockstar
UK-based employees at Grand Theft Auto VI developer Rockstar Games have requested voluntary union recognition under the Rockstar Game Workers Union, affiliated with the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain. The union aims to negotiate on issues such as pay transparency, flexible working, and crunch. This follows accusations that Rockstar fired 31 employees in retaliation for union activity, which the company denies.
Ubisoft Barcelona staff go on strike over 51 staff being laid off
Staff at Ubisoft's Barcelona studio are organizing strikes and demanding job security following proposed layoffs of 51 workers. The union is pushing for a five-year protection against mass layoffs, the fulfillment of agreed promotions, and improved work-life balance measures. These actions come amid broader cost-cutting initiatives at Ubisoft, which has also seen the closure of its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Comings and Goings
Unionized Xbox developers held a press conference to voice concerns as Microsoft reportedly prepares for significant layoffs. These workforce reductions are expected to occur after the current fiscal year concludes.
Layoffs looming, Xbox union members argue for transparency and good-faith bargaining
Xbox union members are advocating for transparency and good-faith bargaining as potential layoffs loom. The union aims to ensure clear communication and fair negotiation processes with the company.
Star Wars Eclipse "literally cannot be finished" if layoffs go through, its devs reportedly say
Developers at Quantic Dream reportedly stated that the upcoming game Star Wars Eclipse cannot be finished if planned layoffs of 115 staff members go through. The union STJV is protesting these potential layoffs, claiming the studio is already understaffed and that these employees are necessary for the game's completion. The game, revealed in 2021, is set during the High Republic era.
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers have successfully unionized
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro have successfully unionized, forming the United Wizards of the Coast-CWA. The union's goals include obtaining assurances regarding generative AI, layoff protections, and compensation transparency. Employees voted in favor of unionization following a National Labour Relations Board election after their request for voluntary recognition was denied.
Magic: The Gathering Arena devs' union officially elected, following claims Wizards of the Coast were dragging their heels on voluntary recognition
The union representing Magic: The Gathering Arena developers, United Wizards of the Coast - CWA, has been officially elected following a petition filed with the US National Labor Relations Board. The union, which previously accused Wizards of the Coast of delaying voluntary recognition, hopes to ratify a contract soon. Members previously cited concerns about layoffs, remote work policies, generative AI, and mandatory crunch as reasons for unionizing.
"This crisis was avoidable, but our bosses chose to drive blindly towards disaster": French videogame union STJV call for national industry strike day
The French video game union STJV has called for a national strike on June 25th to protest ongoing layoffs and demand industry-wide changes. The union cited mismanagement by companies like Quantic Dream, Ubisoft, and Nacon, as well as government subsidies and the rise of generative AI, as contributing factors to the crisis.
Amazon ordered to bargain with Teamsters in case that could set back union progress
A judge ruled that Amazon violated federal law by refusing to recognize the Teamsters union. This decision could impact future unionization efforts within the company.
Morning Legal Briefs
Three Amazon workers claim they are under investigation for speaking out about the company's data centers. The article, published by WIRED, details their experiences and concerns regarding workplace communication and potential retaliation.
UK Tribunal allows fired Rockstar workers to bring blacklisting claims against the studio
A UK employment tribunal has allowed fired Rockstar workers, represented by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, to proceed with blacklisting claims against the studio. This ruling is a significant step in the legal dispute following the termination of over 30 employees last October, which the union has characterized as illegal union busting. The full trial is scheduled for September 2026, preceding the release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Rockstar Faces A Fresh Setback In Its Union-Busting Case
A UK employment tribunal has ruled that the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain can proceed with allegations of blacklisting against Rockstar Games. The case, which began last November, involves accusations that Rockstar discriminated against employees suspected of attempting to form a union, leading to the dismissal of 34 workers. The trial is scheduled for September 10, 2026.
Rockstar vs. the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain: a timeline of events so far
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar Games of union busting following the dismissal of 31 employees in October 2025, which the company attributed to gross misconduct for distributing confidential information. The dispute escalated with legal claims, protests, and parliamentary attention, with Rockstar maintaining the dismissals were unrelated to union activities. A preliminary employment tribunal hearing in January 2026 rejected the IWGB's request for interim relief, though the full hearing is pending.
Rockstar employees form union amid ongoing legal claims
Rockstar employees have formed the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain. The union's formation follows the dismissal of over 30 employees, which the RGWU alleges was an act of union busting, leading to ongoing legal battles and protests.
Rockstar Games Developers Announce Founding of Rockstar Game Workers Union
Rockstar Games developers have announced the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain. The union's creation follows allegations of union busting and recent firings, and precedes legal proceedings related to a lawsuit against the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer. Rockstar Games denies the union-busting allegations, stating dismissals were due to breaches of company policy regarding confidential information.
Rockstar developers to formally unionize ahead of legal battle with the company
Developers at Rockstar Games are formally unionizing, a move that comes ahead of a potential legal battle with the company. This development signifies a significant step in labor relations within the studio, which is known for the Grand Theft Auto franchise.