'Our solidarity will always emerge stronger:' Protests against Rockstar continue in London, Edinburgh, and Paris
Union members and advocates are continuing to protest outside the offices of Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive after the Grand Theft Auto VI developer was accused of firing over 30 employees in the UK for engaging in trade union activity.
Rockstar and Take-Two denied the allegations and claimed the fired workers were ousted for "gross misconduct" after sharing confidential information. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) described the move as the "most blatant and ruthless act of union busting in the history of the games industry" and has taken legal action against the studio.
In response to the firings, union members and supporters amassed outside Take-Two and Rockstar offices in London, Edinburgh, and Paris. French union Le Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Vidéo (STJV) organized solidarity action on November 14 to condemn the dismals and call for the reinstatement of those impacted.
"This act of retaliation against unions, unthinkable in the United Kingdom, is as unacceptable as it is pointless. Because nothing will douse workers aspirations toward justice, equality and respect," said an STJV spokesperson.
"Unions have always faced repression, the last resort of the weak to try to delay what is bound to happen. But it never stopped us, because our solidarity will always emerge stronger. By trying to silence workers, Rockstar will only strengthen the resolve of those who are demanding their due: shared wealth, decent wages and recognition for their work. The STJV stands with IWGB Game Workers and all workers at Rockstar. We demand immediate reintegration for all our fired comrades, in the United Kingdom and in Canada."
The Paris demonstration coincided with another in London, ending two weeks of protests against Take Two and Rockstar.
The protests are due to continue this week on November 18, when game workers and supporters intend to gather outside Rockstar North's office in Edinburgh at 5pm (GMT) before marching to Holyrood (Scottish Parliament headquarters).
