On the finish of October, Rockstar fired over 30 workers at Rockstar North within the United Kingdom and contended that they have been let go over “gross misconduct.” The Grand Theft Auto developer has since been accused of union busting, since lots of the fired devs have been both members of the Unbiased Employees’ Union of Nice Britain or organizing for it. Now, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and a member of Parliament, are maintaining the strain on Rockstar.
“It is a deeply regarding case,” stated Starmer. “Each employee has the suitable to affix a commerce union and we’re decided to strengthen staff rights and guarantee they do not face unfair penalties for being a part of a union. Our ministers will look into the actual case the member raises and can preserve him up to date.”
The case was introduced up by Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MP, Chris Murray, who met with Rockstar on behalf of the employees. Murray famous that Rockstar initially refused to fulfill with him except an NDA was signed, however the firm relented following his refusal. Murray additionally acknowledged that he was unconvinced by Rockstar’s account of the firings.
“Rockstar fired 31 workers with out offering proof or union illustration,” stated Murray. “The IWGB alleges union busting. Having met Rockstar, they did not reassure me they’re following legislation and I share issues about union busting … The assembly solely entrenched my issues in regards to the course of Rockstar used to dismiss so lots of their employees members. I used to be not assured their course of paid sturdy consideration to UK employment legislation, I used to be not satisfied that this plan of action was vital, and alarmingly, I didn’t go away knowledgeable on precisely what these 31 individuals had accomplished to warrant their instant dismissal.”
A subsequent report steered that Rockstar fired the devs over messages on Discord in regards to the firm’s revised inner Slack insurance policies. Over 200 Rockstar workers have demanded that the fired devs be reinstated, and there have been a number of protests at Rockstar places of work in assist of the employees. For now, the difficulty stays unresolved.