GTA VI: UK PM Sir Keir Starmer says Rockstar’s alleged union busting is ‘deeply concerning’
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called Rockstar’s alleged union-busting “deeply concerning” and ordered ministers to investigate the firing of 31 GTA VI developers.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Rockstar Games’ decision to fire 31 Grand Theft Auto VI developers is “deeply concerning” and has confirmed ministers will investigate the allegations.
The dispute reached Westminster during Prime Minister’s Questions, when Edinburgh MP Chris Murray challenged Starmer over the late-October dismissals at Rockstar North.
Murray said the fired staff were given no evidence of wrongdoing and no union representation, adding that the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) believes the move amounted to union busting, as employees were allegedly organising the Rockstar Games Workers Union.
Starmer backed the principle of union membership and said: “Every worker has the right to join a trade union and we're determined to strengthen workers rights and ensure they don't face unfair consequences for being part of a union.
“Our ministers will look into the particular case that he [Murray] raises and will keep him updated.”
Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two Interactive has denied any anti-union motive, saying the employees were dismissed for “gross misconduct, and for no other reason”.
But political and public pressure continues to mount.
In Scotland, councillors are tabling motions urging support for the affected workers, while protests have been held outside Rockstar North and Take-Two’s European offices.
More than 200 current Rockstar developers have also signed a letter condemning the firings and calling for reinstatement.
The IWGB has filed a legal claim, describing the situation as “the most ruthless act of union busting in UK games industry history”.
The controversy lands as Rockstar navigates a sensitive period: GTA VI has been delayed to November 2026, and scrutiny is intensifying over a studio that has received more than £440 million in UK tax relief.
