Edinburgh Rockstar workers to hold union vote alongside highly anticipated GTA VI launch
UK games sector could see biggest ever union as Rockstar workers go to ballot next month
Workers behind the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI are to vote on union recognition, as a bitter employment tribunal over alleged union-busting continues.
Staff at Rockstar will cast their ballots between November 12 and 26 to decide whether to officially recognise the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB).
If successful, it’s understood the Rockstar Game Workers Union would become the largest recognised trade union in the UK games sector.
The landmark vote coincides with the launch of GTA VI on November 19. It also parallels the closing submissions of an employment tribunal on November 17 and 18 over alleged union-busting, following the dismissal of 31 union members last October. Rockstar has denied the claims.
A recognition deal would grant staff collective bargaining power over pay, bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible working and generative AI policies.
Shanti Easton-Steel, a Rockstar Game Workers Union committee member, said: “This November, we have the chance to make gaming history not once but twice. As all our hard work, skill and creativity are experienced by GTA VI players for the first time, our voices will now be heard for the first time too.
“This is our moment to secure a window onto the decisions that shape our lives, and a seat at the table to improve them.”
Earlier this month, Rockstar’s head of publishing Jennifer Kolbe indicated management would respect the outcome, stating: “If they want a union, they will have a union.”
Alex Marshall, IWGB president, said the vote was a historic chance for workers to have "a say in how your day-to-day life is organised".