The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) intends to have Rockstar Games investigated for alleged union busting.
During Wednesday’s UK Parliament session, MP Chris Murray asked Prime Minister Kier Starmer about the allegations. Murray said that after meeting with Rockstar over the firings, the company “failed to reassure me they are following employment law and I share concerns about union busting.”
He then asked Starmer if he agrees that “all companies regardless of profit size must follow UK employment law and all workers have the right to join a union.”
Starmer responded by saying that it’s a “deeply concerning case”.
“Every worker has the right to join a trade union and we’re determined to strengthen workers rights and ensure they don’t face unfair consequences for being part of a union,” he said. “Our ministers will look into the particular case that he [Murray] raises and will keep him updated.”
In October, it was reported that over 30 employees were fired from Rockstar. Immediately, employees and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) claimed it was a “blatant and ruthless” act of union busting. Rockstar, however, denied that claim, saying employees were fired for “gross negligence” after finding that they were “distributing and discussing confidential information”.
Not long after that, leaked Discord messages suggest that the information being shared involved discussions of new company policies with other employees, among other messages.
Insider Gaming has reached out multiple times to Rockstar for official comment on the claims. As of writing, no responses have been received.
What do you think about the situation with Rockstar and its potential union busting now being investigated by the UK government? Leave your thoughts down in the comments or in the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
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(h/t IGN for the transcription.)
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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