GTA publisher under pressure from UK government after firing staff for 'sharing company secrets'
The ongoing row between GTA publisher Rockstar Games and more than 30 dismissed staff has now reached the UK parliament after a Scottish MP called on the government to support the workers who have lost their jobs.
It comes after 'between 30 and 40' staff were fired for allegedly 'distributing and discussing confidential information on a public forum,' which the publisher says amounts to gross misconduct.
However, the workers and their representatives at the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) say they were let go for unionising.
Despite the gaming giant claiming the dismissals had nothing to do with unionising, the IWGB has now taken legal action against the publisher, whose headquarters are based in Edinburgh, for what they say were 'unacceptable and unlawful' actions.
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Now, Liberal Democrat and MP for Edinburgh West, Christine Jardine, has brought the matter to the government, calling on ministers to prevent such things happening again.
"Video game giant Rockstar has sacked more than 30 workers across the UK, including my constituents working at their Edinburgh office," she wrote on Blue Sky.
"I urged Ministers to support workers who have lost their jobs, and stop this from happening again."
Speaking in the House of Commons, Jardine declared an interest in the case, admitting she has an employee who works for Rockstar but is not affected by the dismissals.
"That company is video game company Rockstar, who's fired at least 30 employees across its UK studios, including Rockstar North in Edinburgh. Several of my constituents have been affected, and some came to see me last week to express concerns," she told MPs.
"They claim they have been sacked because they were trying to unionise, and were discussing working conditions in private. But Rockstar has accused them of distributing confidential information, and sacked them for gross misconduct."
Jardine said she had written to Rockstar herself to gain more information on the subject, but requested time with the relevant minister to discuss what steps can be taken to support the people who have been affected.
One of the staffers who lost their job recently released a statement via the union, saying it was 'heartwarming' to have so much support from colleagues who were 'holding management to account'.
"During a period where Rockstar want us to feel scared, my brave former colleagues are marching straight up to our boss’ door and demanding our voices are heard and not backing down," they added.
"It's clear to everyone close to this situation that this is a blatant, unapologetic act of vicious union busting. Rockstar employs so many talented game developers, all of whom are crucial to making the games we put out."
Rockstar has denied the accusation of union busting.
Alan Lewis, a spokesperson for Rockstar owner Take-Two, told Bloomberg the employees were dismissed 'for gross misconduct, and for no other reason', adding: "We fully support Rockstar’s ambitions and approach."
LADbible has contacted Rockstar for further comment.
Emma Rosemurgey