UK-based Rockstar devs will be putting their union recognition to a vote during GTA 6's launch next month
UK Rockstar staff will vote on union recognition from November 12–26, coinciding with GTA 6’s launch, following a prior layoff dispute and tribunal.
Rockstar Games employees in the UK are preparing to vote on union recognition with the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) between November 12 and 26. The vote occurs just before the anticipated launch of GTA 6, marking a significant moment for staff seeking formal influence over workplace policies. The proposed agreement, agreed upon by both workers and management, would cover pay, bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible work, and generative AI policies.
The union recognition vote follows a contentious period for Rockstar, including the layoff of 31 staffers nearly a year ago, which workers allege was an attempt to suppress organizing efforts. An ongoing employment tribunal involving Rockstar, the IWGB, and the laid-off employees is scheduled to conclude closing arguments on November 17 and 18, days before GTA 6’s release.
A statement from Shanti Easton-Steel, a member of the Rockstar Game Workers Union Committee, emphasized the vote’s purpose: ensuring transparency in management decisions affecting employees. Concerns highlighted include gender pay disparities, inconsistent overtime pay policies, and job security fears following the game’s launch.
The tribunal’s outcome, expected after the vote, will determine whether Rockstar violated employment law during the layoffs. Meanwhile, the union recognition vote represents a pivotal step for UK games industry workers seeking formal representation and bargaining rights.