Rockstar Games has issued a firm statement ahead of the final hearing in a legal dispute concerning the dismissal of 34 former employees last year. The studio maintains that the individuals were terminated for gross misconduct, specifically citing the sharing of confidential company information, and not due to any alleged trade union membership or activity. The final hearing, scheduled to run from September 10th until at least October 15th at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre, will see the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and the former employees present their case.
Rockstar's spokesperson stated, "Rockstar Games' position has been clear and consistent throughout. Individuals across the UK and Canada were dismissed for gross misconduct following the sharing of confidential company information, not because of alleged trade union membership or activity. We reject the claims and will defend them vigorously before the tribunal." The dispute reportedly centers on discussions about a new company Slack policy that took place in a union-run Discord server, which Rockstar claims led to the leak of confidential data.
The IWGB, however, has accused Rockstar of engaging in union busting by dismissing the developers. In June, an employment tribunal ruled that the fired developers could bring claims of blacklisting against Rockstar as part of their argument in this final hearing. The union is seeking a ruling that the dismissals were unfair, which could lead to Rockstar being ordered to reinstate the employees or provide compensation.
"We have fought tooth and nail to get to this point, not just to be able to win justice for ourselves, but to draw a line in the sand for any employer that thinks it can attack workers for unionising," said Jason Lewis, an IWGB Union member and former Rockstar staffer. He added that while the journey has been emotional, the "finish line" and the prospect of justice are now visible.
Supporters of the former employees have been encouraged to purchase specially designed union t-shirts to contribute to their "Fighting Fund," rather than boycotting the upcoming GTA 6. Meanwhile, current Rockstar developers have formed the Rockstar Games Workers Union and are seeking official recognition from the company ahead of GTA 6's planned console release in November.