Hundreds of Rockstar Games employees have signed a letter calling on management to immediately reinstate dozens of UK-based colleagues who were recently dismissed from the company.
The letter describes the dismissals as a “blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting,” and was signed by staff across multiple Rockstar offices. The signatories are demanding the company reverse the firings and warning that the matter will proceed through UK employment tribunals if necessary.
Rockstar reportedly dismissed around 30 UK employees for what management internally labeled as “gross misconduct.” According to the company’s stated rationale, the workers shared confidential information on an unauthorized Discord server that included non-employees.
The employees were allegedly terminated immediately without the full disciplinary process typically required under UK employment law. Workers claim this was done to target those involved in union organizing efforts and discussing workplace issues with union representatives.
Under UK law, dismissing employees for union activity is automatically unlawful. The Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1992 specifically protects workers from being fired for trade union membership or organizing activities.
If the dismissed workers challenge their terminations, employment tribunals will assess whether Rockstar followed proper procedures and whether the stated reason for dismissal was legitimate. UK tribunals require employers to prove gross misconduct with strong evidence and demonstrate they conducted a fair investigation.
Tribunals can order employers to reinstate workers or pay compensation if dismissals are found to be procedurally unfair or unlawful. Employers must also show they handled similar alleged infractions consistently.
The dispute comes as Rockstar continues development on Grand Theft Auto VI, which has a stated 2025 release window. The game is one of the most anticipated titles in the industry following GTA V‘s status as one of the best-selling games ever made.
Rockstar’s workplace culture has faced scrutiny before. The company drew criticism over reports of extensive crunch during Red Dead Redemption 2‘s development. In early 2024, Rockstar mandated a full return to office for staff, citing security and quality control for GTA VI development.
Union activity in the UK games industry has grown in recent years through organizations like Bectu and IWGB Game Workers. Several high-profile organizing efforts have emerged at game companies and contractors throughout the sector.
What happens next
The dismissed employees and their supporters now face a decision about whether to pursue formal employment tribunal claims. Any such proceedings would require Rockstar to present evidence supporting the gross misconduct allegations and demonstrate the dismissals followed proper procedures.
The outcome could set a significant precedent for union organizing efforts in the UK games industry. If tribunals find the dismissals were unlawful, Rockstar could be ordered to rehire the workers and pay compensation.
