Home / Business and Economy / Starmer Slams Rockstar Over "Deeply Concerning" Staff Firings
Starmer Slams Rockstar Over "Deeply Concerning" Staff Firings
12 Dec
Summary
- UK Prime Minister criticizes Rockstar Games for recent dismissals.
- Allegations of violating employment law and union busting arise.
- Rockstar cites distributing confidential information as reason for firings.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed significant concern regarding the recent dismissal of 31 employees by Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games. The issue was highlighted in the UK Parliament, with concerns raised about potential violations of employment law and alleged union busting. Starmer stated that all workers have the right to join a trade union and assured that ministers would investigate the specific case.
Chris Murray, the Member of Parliament for the constituency where Rockstar North is based, shared details of his meeting with the company. He noted that Rockstar initially required MPs to sign an NDA before the meeting, a request they later withdrew. Murray remained unconvinced that Rockstar's dismissal process adequately adhered to UK employment law or that the actions taken were necessary.
Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, attributed the firings to "gross misconduct" after employees were found to be sharing confidential information. However, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain has labeled the actions as "union busting" and is pursuing legal claims on behalf of the dismissed workers, alleging trade union victimisation and blacklisting.
