In a significant move, over 200 employees at Rockstar North have boldly signed a letter addressed to management, denouncing the recent termination of 31 colleagues as a “blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting.” This unexpected dismissal at the start of November sparked immediate accusations against Rockstar, with the company claiming the layoffs were due to leaks of internal information. However, these allegations have been countered by employees speaking anonymously and recent reports, stirring protests outside the Edinburgh office of Rockstar North.
Unity Among Rockstar Employees
The letter, highlighted in various reports, aims to pressure management into reinstating the dismissed workers. This strong stance is supported by over 200 employees and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), who view the firings as a clear attempt to undermine union organization. The overwhelming support from current employees for their former colleagues emphasizes the solidarity within Rockstar’s workforce.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many of our colleagues supporting us and holding management to account,” remarked one of the dismissed employees anonymously. “During a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are marching straight up to our boss’s door and demanding our voices are heard and not backing down.”
A Closer Look at the Unionization Efforts
All of the 31 terminated employees were part of a growing union within Rockstar, playing pivotal roles in advancing towards official union status. They were nearing the critical 10% membership mark required for recognition. These circumstances, coupled with the abrupt manner of their dismissal, lead the IWGB to assert that this is an unmistakable case of union busting by Rockstar. Alongside the employee-led letter, the IWGB has taken legal action against Rockstar after the company refused to engage with union representatives acting on behalf of the terminated workers.
