UK MPs Slam Rockstar Over 'Refusal to Engage' in Appeal Process Following Layoffs

UK politicians have sharply criticized Rockstar Games, the developer of GTA 6, for its dismissal of 34 employees last October, as legal battles over the terminations continue. Rockstar has publicly stated that the workers were fired for gross misconduct, claiming they violated confidentiality rules by sharing private information on Discord. However, the IWGB Game Workers' Union frames the incident as alleged union-busting, insisting the Discord server was meant for discussing union efforts and that all fired UK workers were union members.

An employment tribunal earlier this year determined the workers were not eligible for temporary financial relief, but a final decision on the union-busting allegation is pending. Meanwhile, the IWGB has gained support from several local MPs. Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said, "From my first meeting with constituents affected by Rockstar's mass dismissal, I have had concerns about both the handling and motivation behind this action. Constituents have lost their jobs and income, with one even forced to leave the country due to visa sponsorship removal. Rockstar's justification has varied throughout the process. They must answer with transparency and uphold the right to appeal."

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was asked about the firings in December and called it "a deeply concerning case" that would be investigated further. Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, stated, "It is extremely disappointing that Rockstar has refused to properly engage with staff, representatives, and trade unions throughout this process. Workers asking for fairness and respect should not be met with silence." Dr. Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, added, "When I visited Rockstar last year, I emphasized their responsibility to treat staff openly and fairly. It appears these principles are not being upheld. The UK Government is expanding workers' rights, and we must challenge unfair practices. Rockstar must cooperate fully with investigations into alleged union-busting."

Reports, including an in-depth investigation by People Make Games, revealed that the Discord interactions involved discussing a message from Rockstar management about changes to Slack policy aimed at reducing off-topic conversations. Rockstar claims the employees leaked game features for upcoming titles on Discord. In an interim ruling, Judge Frances Eccles noted that because Rockstar also dismissed three non-union employees in Canada, union membership could not have been a factor. If interim relief had been granted, the workers would have been reinstated on payroll and had their visas restored.

According to a Rockstar spokesperson, the ruling indicates the IWGB is unlikely to prove union activity was the reason for dismissal. A full tribunal will hear evidence later. IGN recently questioned Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who defended the company's culture, saying Rockstar's parent company is "incredibly proud of our labor relations."