Union members and human rights activists continue to protest outside the offices of Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive after Grand Craft Auto VI the developer was accused of sacking more than 30 employees in the UK for participation in trade union activities.
Rockstar and Take-Two have denied the allegations and said the fired workers were fired for 'gross misconduct' after disclosing confidential information. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) called the move “the most outrageous and ruthless act of union-busting in the history of the games industry” and took legal action against the studio.
In response to the layoffs, union members and supporters rallied outside Take-Two and Rockstar offices in London, Edinburgh and Paris. The French union Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Video (STJV) organized a solidarity rally on November 14 to condemn the riots and call for the reinstatement of those affected.
“This act of retaliation against trade unions, unthinkable in the UK, is as unacceptable as it is senseless. Because nothing can quench workers' desire for justice, equality and respect.” said a STJV representative.
“Unions have always faced repression, the last resort of the weak trying to delay what is about to happen. But this has never stopped us, because our solidarity will always become stronger. By trying to silence workers, Rockstar will only strengthen the resolve of those who demand their due: shared wealth, decent wages and recognition for their work. STJV supports IWGB Game Workers and all Rockstar workers. We demand the immediate reintegration of all our dismissed comrades in the UK and Canada.”
The Paris demonstration coincided with another in London, ending two weeks of protests against Take Two and Rockstar.
Protests will continue this week, on November 18, when gaming workers and supporters plan to gather outside Rockstar North's Edinburgh office at 5:00 pm (GMT) before marching to Holyrood (the headquarters of the Scottish Parliament).
