Rockstar employees reportedly tried to union-bust ahead of GTA VI

• IWGB filed a complaint alleging that Rockstar Games employees engaged in union-busting tactics
• Another lawsuit alleges that the company’s union-busting efforts were aimed at preventing a union vote before the release of GTA VI 19 days later
• Employees claim management pressured them to abandon their union crunch

Rockstar Games employees have filed a complaint alleging wrongdoing by the IWGB Game Workers Union. The filing claims that the company fired 30 employees for union-related activities, calling it “union busting.”

The complaint further alleges that, since 2019, the company has been targeting employees with what it says are unfair disciplinary measures, including for work issues in Maidenhead, Danbury, Linkolnshire, and Lidsi at London.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit says that the company’s union-busting efforts were aimed at preventing a vote. The company’s response is that it fired employees for performance reasons. The complaint notes that the first wave of firings began before the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which was scheduled for 19 days later.

In addition, the lawsuit says that the company’s pay deductions for GTA VI work started at the same time, with prices starting at $79.99. The complaint also claims that the company’s pay deductions amounted to roughly $3 billion.

The complaint also claims that IWGB intends to pursue the union-busting allegations, including by forcing employees to work through “crunch.” It adds that Rockstar has also changed employment terms, including by adding new “crunch” clauses to employment contracts.

Guardian previously reported that the company fired 31 employees over a period of time. The company said that the employees were dismissed due to confidential information, including details of unannounced games, which it described as proprietary information. It also said that the company’s response was that the employees were dismissed for violating company policies.

If the union busting claims are proven, it could harm the company’s reputation. The union says its members will continue to fight for fair treatment and better working conditions.

Tags: Technology/Culture/Computer Games