Take-Two Interactive previously stated that the company does not hinder employees who wish to join unions.
Rockstar Games fired 30 to 40 employees in November, prompting accusations of union busting from the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The company denies these claims and states that the people who leaked information were kicked out.
However, a post appeared on GTAForums from an alleged Rockstar Games employee who claims that the dismissed employees were "practically ambushed" in the human resources department: they were called in "for a short conversation" and then handed a letter of dismissal accusing them of violations related to discussions in Discord. No evidence or details of the offense were provided. Those who were in the office were allegedly evicted within minutes. The rest were called by phone - the conversation lasted less than two minutes, after which a letter was sent. Among those fired were people on sick leave, including those recovering from surgery, or on family leave, which leaves them financially vulnerable.
According to the anonymous source, Rockstar has lost key specialists: leading developers, artists, designers, programmers and producers with many years of experience and an impeccable reputation. He refutes the official version of the company, emphasizing that the channel in Discord was used exclusively for internal and trade union discussions of working conditions, and not for the dissemination of confidential information. Only union members were affected by the cuts.
According to the employee, the timing of the dismissals was not accidental: the trade union group had just gained enough members to launch formal negotiations on raising salaries and improving conditions. This, he claims, is a direct blow to the recognition of the union.
The identity of this anonymous person and his connections with the Rockstar studio were confirmed by the forum moderators, so his words may be true.
