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Rockstar Games Inc.

Rockstar Games Sacks Over 30 UK Staff in Controversial Union-Busting Move

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has accused Rockstar Games, the developer of the Grand Theft Auto series, of sacking over 30 UK staff members in a deliberate attempt to suppress trade union activity. The union claims that the staff were sacked for their involvement in a private Discord chat group and membership in the IWGB. Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take Two Interactive, has denied the allegations, stating that the staff were terminated for "gross misconduct."

Key Takeaways:

  • The IWGB claims that over 30 UK staff members at Rockstar Games were sacked on October 30 due to trade union activity.
  • All of the affected staff members were part of a private Discord chat group and members of the IWGB.
  • The union argues that the dismissals were unlawful and retaliatory, and that some staff members with visas sponsored by Rockstar and medical conditions will lose access to essential workplace healthcare schemes.
  • Take Two Interactive has denied the allegations, stating that the staff were terminated for "gross misconduct."
  • Rockstar Games has a history of being one of the most profitable videogame franchises in the world, with Grand Theft Auto 5 generating more than $8.0 billion in revenue since 2013.
  • The IWGB will mount a full and robust defense of its members, citing the company's "brazen act of illegal union busting."

Statistics:

  • Over 30 UK staff members at Rockstar Games were sacked on October 30.
  • Grand Theft Auto 5 has generated more than $8.0 billion in revenue since 2013.
  • The IWGB claims that the company's decision to sack staff members will result in a loss of access to essential workplace healthcare schemes for some staff members with medical conditions.
  • The union is seeking to reinstate the dismissed staff and provide interim relief.

Sources:

  • Byline: Ben Mitchell, PA
  • The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB)
  • Rockstar Games
  • Take Two Interactive
  • Business Insider
  • The Guardian

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