Workers Rights
Ongoing coverage on Workers Rights.
Latest coverage
State of the Unions: the rise of unionisation in games workplaces
The video games industry is experiencing a significant rise in unionization as workers seek better labor rights and protections against harsh working conditions. Unions like SAG-AFTRA, ZeniMax workers, and various groups at major studios have successfully advocated for improved pay, AI protections, and remote work policies. Representatives from IWGB, Solidaires Informatique, and the Polish Gamedev Workers Union highlight global progress and ongoing challenges, emphasizing the growing power of collective bargaining.
'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.
"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.
Uber hit with a nearly $1 billion fine for automatically deactivating drivers in Europe
Uber has been fined nearly 825 million euros by a Dutch data regulatory authority for violating GDPR rules related to the automatic deactivation of drivers in Europe. This penalty highlights ongoing concerns about data privacy and labor practices within the gig economy.
Fired Rockstar workers say you shouldn't boycott GTA 6 for them: 'We spent years pouring our hard work, skill,…
Fired unionized workers from Rockstar Games are urging gamers not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6, despite their ongoing legal dispute over alleged union busting. The workers, represented by the IWGB union, are seeking justice and compensation for their dismissal, which they describe as a ruthless act. They encourage support through purchasing union merchandise to fund their legal battle.
Don’t Boycott GTA 6, Help Win Justice Instead, Fired Devs Say
Former Grand Theft Auto 6 developers fired from Rockstar Games are urging players not to boycott the game, but instead to support their ongoing legal battle against the studio for alleged union busting. The developers, who are members of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, want fans to experience the game they helped create while also advocating for justice and fair labor practices. Rockstar Games denies the firings were related to union activity, stating they were for gross misconduct.
Fired Rockstar devs discourage GTA6 boycott, U.S. Army offers leave for its launch (with a catch)
Fired Rockstar Games developers who claim they were terminated for unionizing are urging players not to boycott Grand Theft Auto VI, instead asking for support through t-shirt pre-orders to fund their lawsuit. Separately, a U.S. Army battalion is offering soldiers four days off to play the game as a reenlistment incentive.
Rather than calling for GTA 6 boycott, fired Rockstar workers urge players to support them in their legal battle against the studio by buying union merch
Former Rockstar Games employees involved in a legal dispute over their firings are asking players not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6. Instead, they encourage support through the purchase of union merchandise to fund their legal battle against the company, which they accuse of union busting.
"Don’t boycott GTA 6," fired Rockstar devs say: "Support our legal battle instead" and "win justice for the people who helped make it"
Former Rockstar Games developers, let go last year, are urging fans not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6. Instead, they are asking for support by purchasing t-shirts to fund their ongoing legal battle against the publisher, which alleges unlawful dismissal. The outcome of this case could set precedents for employee rights in the video game industry.
Fired Rockstar Workers Ask Fans Not to Boycott Grand Theft Auto 6
Former Rockstar Games employees have released a video asking fans not to boycott Grand Theft Auto 6, but instead to support their legal battle against the company for alleged union-busting. The workers, who were fired in 2025, are selling solidarity T-shirts to fund their fight for justice and fair treatment, with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain advocating for union recognition at the studio.
EA have gone private, as Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner's investment groups complete their $55 billion acquisition
Electronic Arts (EA), publisher of franchises like EA Sports FC, Battlefield, The Sims, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, equity firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners for $55 billion, making it a private company. The deal has raised concerns among unionized workers regarding potential layoffs and among LGBTQIA+ players about the future of diversity in EA's games, though some developers have expressed commitment to maintaining inclusivity.
IWGB Game Workers union forms 'redundancy taskforce' to defend workers' rights
The IWGB Game Workers Union has formed a new taskforce to support workers facing redundancy, aiming to ensure all layoffs are legal and fair. This initiative comes amid widespread layoffs in the industry, including recent cuts at Xbox and Rockstar Games. The union highlights the need for solidarity and worker empowerment against what they describe as mismanagement and greed.
