IWGB files legal claims against Rockstar Games over alleged union‑busting

The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) has issued formal legal claims against Rockstar Games, accusing the developer of union‑busting after it fired more than 30 employees who were organizing. The union says it tried to negotiate with Rockstar first but was rebuffed, and now seeks legal remedy on behalf of the dismissed workers.

The IWGB alleges the firings amount to “victimization and collective dismissal linked to trade union activity.” Alex Marshall, IWGB president, said the union will “mount a full legal defense” and argued that private spaces such as trade‑union Discord servers have legal protections. The union also claims those dismissed were members of an IWGB Game Workers Union Discord server.

Rockstar has defended its actions, saying the workers were dismissed for “gross misconduct” related to the distribution and discussion of confidential information. The studio denies the terminations were linked to union activity. At the same time, Rockstar recently delayed Grand Theft Auto VI by six months — a separate development that has kept the studio in the headlines.

Union momentum and statutory recognition

Reporting suggests the Rockstar Games Workers’ Union had recruited just over 10% of the company’s UK workforce, one of the thresholds needed to apply for statutory recognition under UK rules. If the union achieved recognition, the government could compel Rockstar to formally recognize the union for collective bargaining. The IWGB says the dismissals targeted key organizers and occurred as the union approached a formal announcement.

What’s next

The IWGB has now filed legal claims and says it will progress the matter through the courts. Rockstar’s position is that the terminations were disciplinary and unrelated to unionizing. The case could test how UK employment and trade union protections apply to private online organizing spaces, such as Discord servers, and whether companies can lawfully discipline workers for such activity.

For continued coverage, see the original report (opens in a new tab): Engadget — IWGB legal claims against Rockstar. You can also find information from the union at IWGB.

Discussion: Do you think the courts should protect private online organizing spaces like Discord as part of union activity? What impact could this case have on unionizing efforts across the games industry?