The situation is clearly worsening for Rockstar Games. In early November, the starry company laid off more than 30 of its employees for “serious misconduct”. However, those affected believe that their employer decided to let them go because they wanted to unionize.
Then, a complaint was filed by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and the case was even brought before the British Parliament. MP Christine Jardine called on government ministers to “support the workers who have lost their jobs and prevent this from happening again.”
Now, voices are being heard within the company itself. The IWGB has stated that 220 Rockstar North employees have signed a letter condemning the dismissal of their colleagues. They are also demanding their immediate reinstatement.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a former employee who lost his job welcomed this support.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many of our colleagues supporting us and holding management to account – during a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are marching straight up to our boss’s door and demanding our voices are heard and not backing down.”
“It’s clear to everyone close to this situation that this is a blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting. Rockstar employs so many talented game developers, all of whom are crucial to making the games we put out.”
Finally, the IWGB was keen to point out that the studio benefits from “more than £440 million in tax breaks in the UK, while showing blatant and callous disregard for the livelihoods of its employees and for the law.”
