BREAKING: A significant rally has erupted in Edinburgh as dozens demand that Rockstar Games reinstate the 31 workers it dismissed last week in what many are calling a blatant act of union-busting. The protest, held outside the company’s offices on July 20, 2023, saw both former and current employees unite to voice their outrage.
Participants held placards with messages like “Say sorry, be nice” and “Grant Theft Employment,” echoing the sentiments of the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB). A similar protest reportedly unfolded at Rockstar’s London office, intensifying calls for accountability.
The IWGB alleges that the firings were directly tied to the employees’ involvement in union activities, branding it a “ruthless act of union-busting.” In contrast, Rockstar maintains that the actions were taken against “a small number of individuals” who leaked confidential information.
IWGB organizer Fred Carter described the emotional fallout among workers: “People didn’t know what was going on, that their co-workers were being torn from their desks and marched out of the building. There’s real outrage, loss, and grief in this community.”
Carter highlighted the significance of the firings, stating, “Every single person who’s been fired in the UK from Rockstar is a union member. They’ve lost their jobs for exercising their legal rights.”
Support came from political figures, including Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer, who declared the firings “bang out of order.” He urged Rockstar to admit their mistake and negotiate with workers. Greer warned, “If Rockstar wants to continue being one of the most profitable companies in entertainment, they need to treat their staff with respect.”
The IWGB’s president, Alex Marshall, condemned Rockstar’s actions as “the most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry.” He called the company’s disregard for workers’ rights an insult to both the fans and the industry itself.
With tensions escalating, the future of Rockstar Games hangs in the balance. As the protest continues to gain momentum, many are left wondering whether the company will respond to the growing public outcry and restore the jobs of those affected.
Authorities and community members are closely monitoring the situation, and as the momentum builds, it remains to be seen how Rockstar will navigate this crisis. The demand for justice and accountability echoes loudly among workers and supporters alike, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in the gaming industry.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
