The protracted labor dispute between Rockstar Games and the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has officially moved into the courtroom. This heated conflict stems from Rockstar’s decision in late October 2025 to fire more than thirty developers based in the UK and Canada, a move the company justified by citing “gross misconduct.” The IWGB, however, has vehemently pushed back, publicly accusing the studio of retaliatory “union busting” aimed at employees who were actively involved in union organizing efforts.
The opposing sides appeared before a UK employment tribunal earlier this week, as reported by Video Games Chronicle. The central matter discussed was the IWGB’s urgent request for “interim relief” for the terminated staff. If granted, this measure would effectively mandate that the affected developers be placed back on Rockstar’s payroll while the comprehensive legal proceedings unfold. Crucially, receiving interim relief would allow several of the laid-off workers to maintain their necessary work visas, which are tied directly to their employment status.
Both the developer and the union remain entrenched in their positions. Rockstar continues to stand by its claim that the employees broke defined company policy. Meanwhile, the IWGB has pledged to maintain its full legal support for the workers, regardless of the tribunal’s upcoming ruling on the immediate payroll relief request, which is expected before the week’s end.