Union Seeks Emergency Aid for Employees Affected by Rockstar Layoffs

The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has filed a request for interim relief on behalf of employees laid off by Rockstar Games last November. A preliminary hearing took place at Scotland's Tribunals Centre in Glasgow, attended by representatives from both IWGB and Rockstar. If granted, the relief would provide support to the 31 affected workers, including reinstatement on Rockstar's payroll and restoration of work visas, while the case proceeds to a full trial. The IWGB expressed hope that the tribunal will provide urgent relief to workers whose lives were disrupted by Rockstar's alleged union-busting actions, leaving them without income, secure futures, or the right to remain in the country. Rockstar has denied the allegations, stating that the layoffs were necessary due to a breach of confidentiality policies. The company claims that employees discussed confidential game features in an insecure public social channel, including an invite-only Discord server accessible to non-Rockstar employees. Rockstar reiterated that employees who posted union-supportive messages without breaching confidentiality policies were not dismissed, and that the decision was not related to union membership. The IWGB initially filed a formal claim against Rockstar in November, accusing the company of union busting, while Rockstar claimed that the dismissed employees had leaked confidential information. The case has sparked protests and support from over 200 Rockstar North employees, as well as attention from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as 'deeply concerning' and emphasized the importance of protecting workers' rights to join trade unions.