MPs accuse Rockstar of obstructing legal process over alleged union-busting with ‘silence and closed doors’

• Three Scottish Labour MPs have raised concerns about Rockstar Games’ refusal to provide full evidence and properly engage in the legal process over alleged union-busting at the studio
• In October last year 31 UK-based developers working on Grand Theft Auto VI, all of whom were members of the IWGB Game Workers Union, were dismissed without warning
• The union says that Rockstar has failed to cooperate with basic disclosure requests, refused to provide evidence in full and investigation reports, and denied workers their right of appeal

Tuesday 12 May 2026: Scottish Labour MPs Chris Murray, Dr. Scott Arthur and Tracy Gilbert have called for transparency and cooperation from Rockstar Games in the legal battle over alleged union-busting at the studio. In public statements shared today they urged the company behind Grand Theft Auto to comply with requests for the evidence and investigation reports that led to the mass firings of 34 workers last October.

The 31 UK-based developers Rockstar dismissed without warning belonged to the IWGB Game Workers Union. The other three developers sacked were based in Rockstar’s Toronto studio, and therefore were not eligible for membership, but supported the unionisation effort.

Rockstar have claimed publicly that workers were fired on grounds of gross misconduct, arguing that messages shared on a private trade union Discord channel amounted to breaches of confidentiality and public disparagement of the company. In an interim trial this January, Lord John Hendy KC labelled these allegations a “smokescreen” for a targeted campaign of union-busting.

Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Mussleburgh, also raised the alarm over the fact that the grounds for dismissal Rockstar had issued one of his constituents had been inconsistent, with different official communications citing different justifications for the decision.

Rockstar has refused its workers their right of appeal, in contravention of the company’s own dismissals policy as laid out in its Employee Handbook.

Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, issued the following statement: “From my first meeting with constituents impacted by Rockstar’s mass dismissal, I have held concerns with both the handling and motivation behind this action. I made my concerns clear during Prime Minister’s Questions, resulting in an ongoing ministerial investigation initiated by the Prime Minister.

Constituents have lost their jobs, their income, with one constituent even forced to leave the country due to the removal of their visa sponsor. During a recent meeting with a constituent they explained Rockstar’s justification for their dismissal has varied throughout this process. Rockstar must answer this case with transparency and full cooperation and uphold the right to appeal.”

Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, issued the following statement: “Every worker deserves the right to a fair appeal process and to have their voice heard.

It is extremely disappointing that Rockstar has refused to properly engage with staff, representatives and trade unions throughout this process.

Workers asking for fairness, transparency and respect should not be met with silence and closed doors, especially when livelihoods and workplace rights are at stake.”

Dr. Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, said: “I recently met with a former Rockstar employee who was dismissed from their role. He described significant difficulty in coming to terms with the decision, particularly due to the lack of clear evidence provided to explain his dismissal. He expressed concern that the company has not cooperated fully or transparently in helping him understand what occurred.

When I visited Rockstar late last year alongside fellow MPs, my discussions with senior management emphasised their responsibility to treat staff in an open, fair, and transparent manner. Based on the account shared by my constituent, it appears that these principles are not being consistently upheld in practice.

The UK Government is overseeing the largest expansion of workers’ rights in a generation, and as Members of Parliament we have a duty to challenge unfair employment practices and unjust dismissals. Rockstar must therefore cooperate fully and transparently with any investigations into alleged union‑busting and ensure that both dismissed and current employees are treated fairly and with respect.”

Alex Marshall, President of the IWGB Union, said:

“Since the dismissals took place we have had to deal with six months of corporate legal stonewalling. When Rockstar sacked 31 of our members without warning, we were confident it was an act of flagrant union-busting. The evasion they have shown at every stage of the legal process has only strengthened our belief.

They have acted as if they have impunity, showing no respect for UK trade union law. Our multiple requests for cooperation, whether proposing in-person meetings or asking for the full evidence behind the dismissals, have been met with radio silence. When Rockstar does respond, it's with a shifting narrative that constantly contradicts itself.

Our members at Rockstar are proving that no matter a studio’s size, profits or prestige, when its workers are united we have the power to hold them to account. Through their relentless protesting, press and legal action, our members have drawn the world’s attention to the shady practices of these multi-national studios, and sent a message to rogue game executives that workers are unionising en masse and are ready to fight back.”