Rockstar Games faced fresh criticism from UK lawmakers on Tuesday as MPs Chris Murray, Tracy Gilbert and Dr. Scott Arthur backed union calls for more cooperation in the dispute over last year's staff dismissals. [1, 2]
The IWGB says the dismissals were union busting. Rockstar says the workers were fired for gross misconduct or for leaking confidential information, and the union says the company has failed to cooperate with basic disclosure requests, including providing evidence in full and investigation reports. [1, 3, 2]
Murray said, “From my first meeting with those impacted by Rockstar's dismissals, I have held concerns with both the handling and motivation behind this action.” Gilbert said, “Workers asking for fairness, transparency and respect should not be met with silence and closed doors, especially when livelihoods and workplace rights are at stake.” [1]
The row centres on dismissals in October 2025 that later drew union-busting claims. In November 2025, more than 200 employees at Rockstar North signed a letter to management condemning the sackings. In December 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the case “a deeply concerning case.” [1, 3]
An employment tribunal ruled earlier this year that the workers did not qualify for temporary financial relief. The dispute also includes a disagreement over the figures, with one account saying 34 workers were fired and others referring only to staff members without giving a count. [1, 3, 2]
Rockstar has not resolved the dispute, and the IWGB is still pressing for disclosure and appeal rights for the dismissed workers. [1, 2]
