A potential union formed by UK-based Rockstar Games developers could grow to include over 1,600 workers if an upcoming recognition vote is successful, according to the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) union. This figure would represent nearly all staff at Rockstar's UK studios below senior management.
The union recognition votes are scheduled to take place between November 12th and November 26th, just before the highly anticipated console launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19th. The IWGB is working with Rockstar staff to organize the union. Outside of the UK, Rockstar has global operations with over 4,700 employees across 12 locations worldwide, including studios in the US and India.
A member of the Rockstar Game Workers Union Committee, Shanti Easton-Steel, stated that the vote is crucial for ensuring "honesty and openness surrounding the decisions that affect them." She highlighted concerns including the gender pay gap, inconsistent overtime pay policies, and job security following game releases.
This organizing effort coincides with an ongoing employment tribunal where Rockstar and the IWGB are in contention. The tribunal relates to Rockstar's dismissal of 34 UK-based employees last year. The company claims these employees risked leaking confidential information via a union organizer's Discord server, while the IWGB alleges Rockstar's actions were an attempt at union busting. The tribunal's proceedings are also set to conclude around the time of GTA 6's launch.