Workers dismissed from Rockstar Games last autumn, who claim they were victims of union-busting tactics, have publicly requested that the public refrain from boycotting the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. Instead, they are urging fans to provide financial support for their ongoing legal dispute with the company.
In a video and social media post released by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), the affected employees stated, "Don't boycott GTA 6. Fight for justice for the people who made it." The union has launched a new T-shirt, with all proceeds designated to cover the legal expenses incurred by the laid-off Rockstar developers.
"We spent years pouring our hard work, skill, and creativity making GTA, and we want people to experience the universe we helped build," shared the developers featured in the IWGB's video. "But that doesn't mean we want you to let Rockstar off the hook."
The situation arose when 31 Rockstar Games employees, all members of the IWGB union, were terminated last year. The union subsequently initiated an employment tribunal against Rockstar Games, which denies all allegations of union busting. The IWGB reports a growth in its membership during this period.
Take-Two Boss Strauss Zelnick has previously expressed no concern regarding the legal battle's potential effect on Grand Theft Auto 6 sales. The game became available for pre-order late last month and quickly rose to become a top seller on the PlayStation Store globally.