A group of developers who worked on Grand Theft Auto VI were dismissed from their jobs, and their union has now taken the fight to a UK employment tribunal. At a preliminary hearing, the union requested interim relief for the fired workers.
Rockstar Games has rejected the union’s version of events and is denying the claims being made in connection with the dismissals.
Interim relief is an exceptional remedy in UK employment law that’s only available for specific types of claims. These typically involve dismissals allegedly related to trade union membership or activities, whistleblowing, or certain health and safety issues.
If a judge grants interim relief, they can order the employer to reinstate the workers, offer them comparable positions, or continue paying them while the full case plays out. The remedy exists to prevent immediate harm while the main dispute proceeds through the system.
Rockstar vs UK tribunals
Employment tribunals in the UK handle workplace disputes including unfair dismissal claims. They’re specialized courts designed specifically for these issues. The fact that this case has reached a preliminary hearing for interim relief indicates both sides are preparing for a potentially lengthy legal battle.
The games industry has seen increasing attention on workplace protections and unionization efforts in recent years. Large-scale AAA development like GTA involves long timelines, strict confidentiality practices, and ongoing debates about job security and working conditions.
