Developers at Rockstar Games in the UK are scheduled to vote on unionization next month, a period that will overlap with the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The voting window, set from November 12 to November 26, includes the game's release date of November 19.
If the vote is successful, it would establish the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) as the largest recognized video game sector union in the UK. Workers have been in discussions with Rockstar management since July regarding a recognition deal that would grant unionized employees a voice on matters such as pay, bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible working arrangements, and policies concerning generative AI. Previously, the workers had requested voluntary recognition from Rockstar before the launch of GTA 6, but the matter has progressed to a formal vote.
This union vote occurs alongside the conclusion of a labor dispute that is currently being heard by an employment tribunal in the UK. In October of the previous year, 31 individuals involved in union organizing efforts were dismissed from Rockstar. Members of the union effort have alleged these firings constituted union busting. Rockstar, however, maintains that the terminations were due to "gross misconduct, and for no other reason," later stating the individuals were dismissed for discussing company secrets in an external channel. Recent hearings have included details about a "mole" within the union's Discord server who allegedly provided information to Rockstar in exchange for time off. Closing arguments for this tribunal are anticipated on November 17 and 18.