Tensions between Rockstar Games and its employees have ignited legal action after the dismissal of 31 employees. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has announced legal proceedings against Rockstar, accusing the company of “trade union victimisation and blacklisting.”
Allegations of Union Busting
The controversy arose from an incident in early November when Rockstar terminated 31 of its employees. According to IWGB, these dismissals targeted individuals involved in a private Discord group dedicated to union activities. The union claims that attempts to negotiate with Rockstar were rebuffed, prompting them to take legal steps.
We are representing employees who were dismissed by Rockstar Games in circumstances that we believe amount to victimisation and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity.
Despite our representation and attempts to meet with Rockstar to resolve the matter through negotiation, Rockstar have declined and persisted to terminate members of the union in a manner that is unacceptable and unlawful. Accordingly, we have now issued formal legal claims against Rockstar on behalf of the Claimants.
Our members allege that Rockstar’s conduct constitutes trade union victimisation and blacklisting.
The union’s legal claim has been filed with the Tribunal, awaiting initial hearings to assess the eligibility for interim relief.
Rockstar’s Counterclaims
In response to the allegations, Rockstar countered by stating that the employees were let go due to “gross misconduct” and specifically for leaking “confidential information in a public forum.” The IWGB has challenged this justification, asserting that the only non-employees involved were union organizers. The debate gained further traction as protests erupted outside Rockstar and Take-Two offices, with calls for the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.
Impact on Rockstar and Take-Two
This legal battle coincides with the announcement of another delay for GTA 6, now postponed to November 2026, according to Take-Two’s quarterly earnings report. Amidst these developments, Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the company’s labor practices, expressing pride in their “incredible” labor relations.