Rockstar Games Faces Union-Busting Allegations After UK, Canada Firings

Rockstar Games recently fired between 30 and 40 employees across its UK and Canada offices, sparking accusations of union busting from the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The union claims that all terminated staff were either union members or involved in organizing efforts and part of a private trade union Discord group. IWGB president Alex Marshall condemned the firings as a "blatant and ruthless act of union busting" and an insult to the gaming industry and fans. However, Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive deny the allegations, stating the employees were dismissed for "gross misconduct" and that the company supports positive work environments and teamwork. The controversy arises amid ongoing concerns about working conditions and unionization efforts in the gaming industry, especially given Rockstar's history of intense work periods and its upcoming release of GTA 6. The union is pursuing legal claims to seek reinstatement and relief for the affected workers.