The UK Prime Minister has raised alarms over the recent layoffs at Rockstar Games, deeming the situation “deeply concerning.” Keir Starmer’s comments come amidst escalating concerns about potential union busting within the company.
Parliamentary Inquiry into Rockstar Games’ Practices
During a session in Parliament, Chris Murray, an MP representing Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, questioned Starmer about the necessity for all companies to adhere to UK employment laws. His inquiries stemmed from meetings with Rockstar, where he reported a lack of reassurance regarding their compliance with these laws. Murray highlighted the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain’s (IWGB) concerns regarding the company’s practices.
Starmer confirmed that UK ministers “will look into the particular case” of Rockstar’s actions. He emphasized that every worker has the right to join a trade union, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protect workers’ rights against unfair treatment.
Details of the Layoffs
On October 30, Rockstar terminated 31 employees for “gross misconduct.” Notably, all individuals dismissed were members of a union. The IWGB criticized Rockstar’s actions as “the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.”
In defense, Rockstar clarified that the terminations were the result of employees sharing confidential information on a closed Discord server. This server was used by both unionized and non-unionized staff to discuss company policies.
Response from Employees and Union
Following the dismissals, approximately 220 employees at Rockstar North signed a petition demanding the reinstatement of their colleagues. Protests erupted outside Rockstar’s offices in London and Edinburgh, as well as outside Take-Two Interactive’s locations. A rally also took place in Paris, led by members of Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV).
The IWGB has responded by filing legal claims against Rockstar for the allegedly unfair dismissals, asserting that the company has refused to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the issue. Their statement highlighted that Rockstar’s actions amounted to trade union victimization and illegal practices.
Next Steps
As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on ensuring that all workers at Rockstar Games have their rights protected. The situation has garnered significant attention, raising awareness of the importance of union representation in the workplace.
