Rockstar Games Staff Set for 'Historic' Union Vote at the Same Time GTA 6 Comes Out

Rockstar Games employees will cast their vote on union recognition during the same timeframe as the release of their highly anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). The employee vote, set to take place from November 12-26, coincides with the game's release on November 19. The agreement on union recognition was reached after months of negotiations between the Industrial Workers of the World (IWGB) Union and Rockstar Games, amidst a dispute over the termination of 31 employees allegedly leaking company secrets in October of the previous year. The IWGB has accused Rockstar Games of union busting, alleging the workers were unlawfully fired.

The vote coincides with the closing submissions for an ongoing employment tribunal, set for November 17-18. If the IWGB Rockstar Game Workers Union wins the vote, it will become the largest recognized union in the UK games industry, potentially inspiring unionization efforts throughout the industry. Throughout the process, Rockstar has shown its willingness to engage with staff on union recognition.

Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Head of Publishing, stated, "We go where the team goes. So if they want a union, they will have a union."

Shanti Easton-Steel, a Rockstar North production co-ordinator and Rockstar Game Workers Union Committee Member, expressed the significance of the upcoming vote, saying, "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 6 players for the first time, our voices will now be heard for the first time too."

Easton-Steel emphasized the importance of transparency and open communication in addressing issues such as pay disparities, overtime policies, and job security. IWGB Union President Alex Marshall called the vote "just as historic as the game release," stating that it is a crucial opportunity for workers to have a say in how their day-to-day lives are organized.

From pay and pension plans to parental leave and overtime, the agreement offers workers a chance to become part of a democratic and member-led union.