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Rockstar Games Faces Union Vote Amid GTA 6 Hype
28 Oct
Summary
- Workers in Rockstar's UK offices vote on union recognition from Nov 12-26.
- An employment tribunal concerning alleged union-busting by Rockstar concludes mid-November.
- A union was formed in May 2026 covering all Rockstar offices in the UK.
Behind the cultural excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 release, Rockstar Games is navigating crucial workplace events. Employees in Rockstar's UK offices will participate in a union recognition vote from November 12 to November 26. Should this vote succeed, it would establish the largest recognized union within the UK's game industry.
Coinciding with this, an employment tribunal, initially slated to conclude in October, has been extended. Closing arguments are now anticipated on November 17 or 18. This tribunal stems from a complaint filed by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWUGB) after Rockstar laid off over 30 employees in October 2025. Many of those affected were reportedly involved in union organizing efforts.
The company claims the dismissals were due to misconduct involving confidential information. However, the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union in May 2026, encompassing staff across all UK locations, signals a significant push for collective bargaining. Management has acknowledged the possibility of unionization, with one executive stating, "If they want a union, they will have a union."
