Key Facts
- ✓ A UK employment tribunal rejected a request from fired Rockstar Games employees for interim pay.
- ✓ Rockstar fired 34 employees last year, including 31 in the UK and three in Canada.
- ✓ The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar of 'union busting'.
- ✓ Rockstar claims the employees were leaking company information in a Discord channel.
Quick Summary
A UK employment tribunal has rejected a request from fired Rockstar Games employees to receive interim pay while waiting for a full hearing about their dismissal. The decision concerns 34 employees terminated last year, specifically 31 in the United Kingdom and three in Canada.
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused the company of 'union busting' regarding these firings. Rockstar claims the employees were dismissed for leaking company information in a Discord channel. The hearing took place over two days last week.
Tribunal Ruling Details
A UK employment tribunal rejected a request from fired Rockstar Games employees to receive interim pay. This ruling comes while the employees wait for a full hearing regarding their dismissal. The request for interim relief was formally denied.
The hearing concerning this request took place over two days last week. The decision affects 34 employees who were fired by the developer last year. The terminations involved staff based in both the United Kingdom and Canada.
"Despite being refused interim relief today, we've come out of last week's hearing more confident than ever that a full and substanti …"
— Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB)
Allegations and Counterclaims
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has leveled serious accusations against Rockstar Games. The union claims the terminations constitute 'union busting' activities by the company.
In response, Rockstar Games has provided a specific justification for the firings. The company asserts that the terminated employees were responsible for leaking sensitive company information. This alleged leaking reportedly took place within a Discord channel.
Union Response and Outlook
Despite the tribunal's refusal to grant interim relief, the union remains optimistic about the broader legal battle. A statement regarding the outcome noted that the union has 'come out of last week's hearing more confident than ever' regarding the full and substantial resolution of the dispute.
This confidence suggests that the IWGB intends to pursue the case vigorously in the upcoming full hearing. The focus remains on challenging the legality of the mass firings and the 'union busting' allegations.
Conclusion
The legal dispute between Rockstar Games and its former employees continues to unfold in the United Kingdom. While the immediate request for financial support during the proceedings has been denied, the core issues regarding the 34 terminations remain unresolved.
As the case moves toward a full hearing, the tech and gaming industries watch closely. The outcome could have significant implications for labor relations and the treatment of union organizing within major game development studios.
