Rockstar Games Meets Union Leaders for First Recognition Talks
This article is part of a series about Rockstar Games and working conditions in the video games industry.
The recently established Rockstar Games Worker’s Union could be a step closer to achieving formal recognition.
Leaders within the RGWU report they have had met with Rockstar Games management for the first time to negotiate a voluntary recognition agreement, calling it a step in the right direction.
Having secured a “roadmap for a speedy negotiation process”, discussion is now focussed on coming to terms on the bargaining unit i.e. the list of workers that the union can represent.
Pressure is mounting on Rockstar Games to recognise the RGWU (a subsidiary of the IWGB), which would guarantee workers’ rights and establish a framework for resolving disputes between employees and management.
Voluntary recognition allows anything to be written into the agreement document, with the union pushing for mitigation of overtime to avoid crunch, pay transparency, flexible working conditions, that no employee lose their job to AI, and a commitment to no layoffs.
Formal recognition of the union by the games studio would make Rockstar Games only the second games developer in the UK with an in-house union, after ZA/UM. Membership in the RGWU has grown significantly and is now the biggest game studio union in Europe.
If voluntary recognition negotiations fail, the union is prepared to pursue statutory recognition, which would legally oblige Rockstar to recognise the union as it now represents a significant portion of the workforce.
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The union has parliamentary support from Tracey Gilbert MP who has urged Rockstar to recognise the union as an opportunity for the studio to set an example for workers’ rights across the gaming sector. Gilbert is also backing the union should they apply for statutory recognition through the Central Arbitration Committee.
“I strongly support the work of trade unions and believe that every worker should have an independent voice in the workplace,” Gilbert said.
“Rockstar Games has an opportunity to show leadership and recognise the union representing its workforce.”
The negotiations are taking place ahead of a final hearing in the employment tribunal that begins in September. The union is challenging the dismissal of 31 employees last year for alleged misconduct; Rockstar Games has dismissed accusations of union-busting.
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