UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Parliament will investigate union-busting allegations against Rockstar Games, following the studio's dismissal of 31 Grand Theft Auto 6 developers in October.
The issue was raised in Parliament on December 10 by local MP, Chris Murray. He informed the Prime Minister: "The video games company Rockstar in my constituency last month fired 31 employees without providing evidence or union representation. The [Independent Workers Union of Great Britain] IWGB alleges union busting."
"Given this government is responsible for the biggest increase in workers’ rights in a generation," Murray continued, "does the Prime Minister agree all companies regardless of profit size must follow UK employment law and all workers have the right to join a union?"
In response, Starmer acknowledged the case as "deeply concerning" and committed to an investigation. "Every worker has the right to join a trade union and we're determined to strengthen workers’ rights and ensure they don't face unfair consequences for being part of a union. Our ministers will look into the particular case that he raises and will keep him updated."
MP Murray later detailed a confrontational meeting with Rockstar management, who initially refused entry to him and other MPs unless they signed a non-disclosure agreement, a demand that was eventually withdrawn. "The meeting only entrenched my concerns... I was not assured their process paid robust attention to UK employment law," Murray stated.
The IWGB has condemned the firings as "the most ruthless act of union busting in the history of the UK games industry," vowing to fight for the reinstatement of all affected members. Reports suggest the dismissed employees were part of private union organizing efforts.
While Rockstar claims the terminations were for leaking "confidential information" and unrelated to union activity, the lack of evidence provided to MPs and the targeted nature of the layoffs have fuelled scrutiny and reinforced calls for stronger protections for workers' right to organize without fear of retaliation.
Source: Techradar