Rockstar North Dismisses 31 Employees Amid Union Dispute
In October, 31 employees of Rockstar North, mainly based in Edinburgh, were dismissed for alleged gross misconduct related to the distribution and discussion of confidential information about upcoming game titles in a public forum. The company maintains these dismissals were not connected to union membership or activities, a claim rejected by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, which has described the actions as union-busting.
The dismissed workers were reportedly involved in discussing working conditions and company policies within a private digital forum, which some have viewed as part of organizing efforts. Three former Edinburgh employees who spoke to BBC Scotland described the dismissals as a difficult period, highlighting a developing sense of community among colleagues following their termination.
The group of dismissed workers is considering taking their case to an employment tribunal. These cases may take up to a year to be heard, with the possibility of interim relief to reinstate the workers before the final decision. The issue received attention in Parliament during Prime Minister's Questions, where Labour leader Keir Starmer affirmed workers' rights to join unions and pledged to strengthen workers' protections.
Protests have continued outside Rockstar North's offices in Edinburgh and London as part of the ongoing dispute.
