UK-based Rockstar devs will be putting their union recognition to a vote during GTA 6's launch next month

November is poised to be a significant month for Rockstar Games, not solely due to the upcoming release of their highly anticipated GTA 6. According to a press release from the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), employees at the studio will be voting on recognizing the IWGB Union, with the ballot taking place between November 12th and November 26th.

The agreement reached between the union and management stipulates that the union would be granted the authority to address various matters, such as compensation and bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible work arrangements, and policies concerning generative AI. Should the vote prove successful, the union would assume the position of the largest recognized union within the UK games industry.

This development arrives amidst a crucial juncture for Rockstar employees, both present and past. Approximately a year ago, the company carried out the layoff of 31 staff members, an action perceived as an act of union suppression. Currently, a legal dispute is underway, featuring Rockstar, the IWGB, and the dismissed employees, with closing arguments slated for November 17th and 18th, just days prior to the game's launch. It will be some time before a judge determines whether Rockstar violated any employment laws.

Rockstar Game Workers Union Committee Member Shanti Easton-Steel remarked, "For me, this vote revolves around ensuring employees at Rockstar receive transparency and frankness regarding the decisions that impact them. Without open communication, we cannot adequately tackle issues like gender pay disparities, inconsistent overtime policies, or the concerns surrounding job security following the game's release.

Solidarity remains unwavering. GTA 6 is undoubtedly set to be the biggest game of the decade, and every individual who contributed to its creation deserves appropriate remuneration and resolution of their concerns."