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A union has claimed more than 30 UK workers Rockstar Games – the developers of Grand Theft Auto – have been sacked by bosses in a “union-busting” move.
independent worker’ Milan Great Britain (IWGB) said it appeared the company had employees at the base edinburgh Was sacked for “trade union activity” and claimed the dismissal was “unlawful and retaliatory”.
The union said all the affected employees were members of the union and a chat group on the Discord app.
Grand Theft Auto (GTA), created by rockstar The games, which are a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, have been the most profitable videogame franchise in the world with GTA 5 generating over US$8.0 billion (£6 billion) in revenue since 2013.
Take-Two Interactive said the employees had been dismissed for “gross misconduct”.
iwgb A statement said: “More than 30 members of UK staff at Rockstar Games, developers of the Grand Theft Auto series, were made redundant on Thursday 30 October due to trade union activity.
“The employee, who was part of a private trade union Discord channel and a member of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, was dismissed in what the union argues is an unlawful and retaliatory dismissal.
“IWGB organizers have pointed out that the laid-off employees included those on Rockstar-sponsored visas and those with medical conditions who would lose access to essential workplace health care plans.
“The IWGB, which sees this as a brazen act of illegal union busting, says it will mount a full and robust defense of its members, who they believe have been unfairly targeted for exercising their legal rights.”
IWGB President, Alex Marshall, said: “Rockstar has committed the most blatant and cruel act of union busting in the history of the games industry. This blatant disregard for the law and for the lives of workers who bring in billions of dollars is an insult to their fans and the global industry.
“Despite this calculated attack on workers who are trying to speak out collectively and organize to improve their difficult working conditions, Rockstar Union remains steadfast.
“They will continue to organize for respect and better conditions while pouring their blood, sweat and creativity into a sport loved by millions.
“IWGB will pursue every possible legal claim to ensure reinstatement and interim relief to our members.”
Spring McParlin-Jones, president of the IWGB Game Workers Union, said: “Next year, Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to make more than $10 billion (£7.6 billion).
“That’s enough to satisfy world hunger for a year. Such a blatant attack on workers’ rights from such a valuable studio sends a very clear and shocking message to the world, that money matters more than people.”
Alan Lewis, head of global corporate communications at Take-Two Interactive, said: “We strive to build the world’s best entertainment properties by providing best-in-class creative teams with a positive work environment and ongoing career opportunities.
“Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. Rockstar Games terminated a very small number of individuals for gross misconduct, and no other reason. As always, we fully support Rockstar’s ambitions and vision.”