Glasgow Tribunal Denies Interim Relief for Fired Rockstar Employees

The Glasgow Employment Tribunal has denied a request for interim relief from 34 former employees of Rockstar Games, who were dismissed in October 2025. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) argued that the firings were a result of union activity, specifically their involvement in a Discord server aimed at organizing workers. Rockstar, however, contended that the dismissals were due to the leaking of confidential information regarding the upcoming game, Grand Theft Auto 6.

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim reliefJudge denies request from fired Rockstar employees to be paid while legal case is ongoingRockstar spokesperson says "we welcome" judge's decision to deny fired GTA 6 devs interim relief, union highlights "a glimpse of Rockstar's flimsy grounds for defence"

Judge Frances Eccles ruled that the tribunal could not conclude that the primary reason for the dismissals was the employees' membership in the IWGB. The judgment noted that three of the dismissed workers were based in Canada and were not union members, which further weakened the IWGB's claims. The judge highlighted that some employees had posted very little on the Discord server, while others had not engaged for over a year. Eccles also criticized Rockstar's methods, stating that the comments leading to the dismissals were obtained through "covert monitoring" of the Discord server.

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim reliefJudge denies request from fired Rockstar employees to be paid while legal case is ongoingRockstar spokesperson says "we welcome" judge's decision to deny fired GTA 6 devs interim relief, union highlights "a glimpse of Rockstar's flimsy grounds for defence"

In response to the tribunal's decision, a Rockstar spokesperson expressed satisfaction, stating, "We welcome the decision, which is consistent with Rockstar’s position throughout." The company emphasized that the dismissals were necessary due to breaches of confidentiality, claiming that the employees discussed sensitive information in a public forum that included competitors and journalists.

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim relief

The IWGB expressed disappointment with the ruling but remains hopeful for the upcoming full hearing. They argue that the firings were not only unjust but also unlawful, asserting that there was no evidence of any adverse consequences for Rockstar as a result of the alleged leaks. The union's president, Alex Marshall, has characterized the situation as "plain and simple union busting," and they plan to continue pursuing legal action against Rockstar.

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim relief

While Rockstar maintains that the dismissals were justified due to the sharing of confidential information, the IWGB claims that the number of dismissals was intentionally limited to undermine union organization while retaining sufficient staff for game development. The IWGB has also pointed out the absence of an official investigation into the alleged leaks and the lack of disciplinary actions prior to the dismissals.

Judge denies request from fired Rockstar employees to be paid while legal case is ongoing

• “In all the circumstances, the tribunal was unable to conclude that it appears likely that the tribunal will find that the principal reason for the claimants’ dismissal was their membership of the IWGB,” — Judge Frances Eccles

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim relief

• “We regret that we were put in a position where dismissals were necessary, but we stand by our course of action as supported by the outcome of this hearing.” — Rockstar Spokesperson

Judge rejects fired Rockstar staff's request for interim relief

• “ The spokesperson added, "we are emerging from this hearing, having now had a glimpse of Rockstar's flimsy grounds for defence, feeling bolstered in our claims that these firings were not just deeply unjust but also plainly unlawful.” — IWGB Spokesperson

Rockstar spokesperson says "we welcome" judge's decision to deny fired GTA 6 devs interim relief, union highlights "a glimpse of Rockstar's flimsy grounds for defence"

The legal battle between Rockstar and the IWGB is expected to continue as both sides prepare for the full tribunal hearing, where the broader implications of the dismissals will be examined.

Rockstar spokesperson says "we welcome" judge's decision to deny fired GTA 6 devs interim relief, union highlights "a glimpse of Rockstar's flimsy grounds for defence"