Rockstar Games Accused of Violating Workers’ Rights Amid IWGB Union Dispute

Published : November 17, 2025

Rockstar Games, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto VI, has yet again been thrown into the spotlight; only this time, not for its game-creating expertise. According to reports, the global video games publisher has dismissed more than 30 of its staff members for engaging in trade union activity. While the developer insists they were sacked solely due to gross misconduct, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) alleges this was a “calculated attack” against workers’ rights.

Read on as we unpick exactly what has happened. We discuss statements from both sides of the dispute and explore relevant employment rights under UK law. We then outline the steps to take if these rights are breached, ensuring that those affected can seek justice.

If you believe you’ve experienced something similar, contact Redmans Solicitors without delay. Our team of employment specialists are here to answer your queries and provide expert advice. Should you have an eligible claim, we can also guide you through the legal process.

Begin your journey with us today by:

IWGB Union Launches Legal Action Against Rockstar Over Alleged Workers’ Rights Violations

On Friday, 31 October 2025, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain released a statement revealing that more than 30 of its members had been sacked by Take-Two Interactive, the owner of Rockstar Games. According to Mr Alan Lewis, the Head of Global Corporate Communications at Take-Two Interactive, the individuals had been dismissed “for gross misconduct, and for no other reason.” Mr Lewis added, “As always, we fully support Rockstar’s ambitions and approach.”

The IWGB Union, however, disputed this claim, asserting that its members had seen their employment terminated due to union activity. Apparently, all who faced dismissal had been a part of a trade union group chat on Discord, prompting the decision.

Unfortunately, concern has been raised for the workers impacted, as some relied on their roles for visa sponsorship, while others took advantage of the vital workplace healthcare schemes available to help manage their medical conditions.

Read More: Asda Worker’s Dismissal for Gross Misconduct Found Unfair After Flawed Investigation

Mr Alex Marshall, IWGB President, responded to the matter, stating, “Rockstar has just carried out the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.” He went on to emphasise that the Union will take all available legal action to seek the reinstatement of affected members and secure appropriate interim remedies.

True to his word, the IWGB Union released a subsequent statement on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. Here, he revealed that the Union has since brought legal action against Rockstar Games. It alleged that workers’ rights had been breached, namely unfair dismissal due to trade union involvement. It may be some time until this dispute is resolved, but it’s certainly a case worth monitoring as it unfolds.

What are Trade Union Rights?

Under UK employment law, various workers’ rights are associated with trade union activity. Workers are entitled to join trade unions and undertake legitimate related activities without fear of facing a detriment. Such activity can include attending meetings, organising demonstrations, or communicating with union representatives. And while these activities may occur during personal time, they can sometimes take place during working hours.

Those who join or participate in trade union activity mustn’t face any detriment as a consequence, including reduced hours, denial of training opportunities, or bullying. They must also not be dismissed for similar reasons; this would constitute an automatically unfair dismissal, removing the two-year service length criterion usually required to bring a claim.

If an individual faces disciplinary or grievance procedures, they also have the right to be accompanied by a trade union representative. Furthermore, on matters such as a proposed redundancy procedure, where a union is recognised, employers must consult with the union.

Should an employer fail to adhere to the above rights of workers, they may be liable and risk legal action. Notably, the above isn’t an exhaustive list of trade union rights, and cases will vary, meaning specialist legal help is advised if an individual believes their rights have been breached.

What to do When the Rights of Workers are Breached

When workers’ rights are breached, several avenues of redress exist. Individuals affected are usually advised first to gather all available evidence to support their claim before considering internal options. Evidence can include emails, letters, and other recorded correspondence, as well as items such as CCTV footage or witness information.

Among the internal avenues available, individuals can have an informal chat with their manager or HR representative, or raise a formal grievance through their employer’s established policy. While the latter places additional legal obligations on employers, both provide the opportunity to resolve the matter before legal action is required.

Read More: New Employment Rights Bill Enters ‘Ping Pong’ Stage After Lords Reject Day-One Unfair Dismissal and Zero-Hours Reforms

At the same time, individuals are often recommended to pursue early conciliation through Acas. While tribunal claims are a last resort, they involve strict time limits that must be adhered to to initiate proceedings. When early conciliation is commenced, however, the clock on bringing a tribunal claim is paused, allowing more time to settle. This process is also required before most claims can be brought, and offers free, independent advice that may again prevent the matter from escalating.

If all else fails, though, individuals can take their case to the employment tribunal. As mentioned, strict time limits, in addition to eligibility criteria, must be satisfied to proceed. However, if successful, compensation, among other remedies, could be awarded.

Get Help with Redmans

If you believe your employment rights have been breached, contact Redmans Solicitors today. As employment law specialists, we can assess your case, provide answers, and discuss how you could proceed. If your case is eligible, we can also guide you through the process to seek legal redress.

It only takes a moment to begin your journey with us, simply:

The information on this page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.