Union lodges official legal complaints against Rockstar over claims of union-busting efforts

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has filed legal claims against Rockstar Games, alleging the unfair dismissal of employees. This follows accusations by the union last Thursday, October 30, that Rockstar engaged in union-busting practices by laying off between 30 and 40 workers. These actions have prompted protests led by the union in front of Rockstar North and Take-Two Interactive's London and Edinburgh offices.

Although Rockstar contended that the employees were terminated for leaking "confidential information" rather than for union involvement, IWGB argues otherwise. The union claims that Rockstar refused to engage in discussions regarding the situation and instead continued with layoffs that IWGB calls "victimisation and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity."

In a statement, the union's legal team expressed that they are representing the affected Rockstar employees, considering these dismissals to violate lawful protections against such actions. The statement criticized Rockstar for their "unacceptable and unlawful" behavior and confirmed that formal legal action has been initiated.

Furthermore, IWGB President Alex Marshall criticized Rockstar's actions as clear-cut union-busting. He emphasized that efforts to undermine organized workers would be met with robust legal challenges, backed by a team of caseworkers and legal experts. Marshall highlighted the protections offered to trade union communications, which are not overridden by corporate contracts, warning the broader industry against assuming impunity in similar matters.