The question on the ballot is whether Rockstar should recognise the Rockstar Game Workers Union, a branch of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The vote runs from November 12 to November 26. Reported
More than 1,600 people can vote, which the union says is nearly every UK employee below director level, according to The Register. If the vote passes, the IWGB says it would be the largest recognised union in the UK games industry. Reported
What recognition would cover
The terms were agreed after about four months of talks between the union and management. Under the proposed agreement, workers could negotiate over pay, overtime, pensions, bonuses and leave, and would be consulted on HR policies and the use of AI, The Register reports. Reported
Union members have described it as a vote for more openness from management. A committee member told reporters it comes down to “honesty and openness” about decisions that affect staff. Reported
What Rockstar has said
Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s head of publishing, told Bloomberg that management will respect the result: “We go where the team goes.” Confirmed Rockstar hasn’t commented further on the ballot.
The dispute behind it
The vote comes a year after Rockstar dismissed 31 UK staff in October 2025. Rockstar says they were fired for gross misconduct, after sharing confidential information in a private Discord server. The IWGB says the firings were union busting. Reported
That case is now before an employment tribunal in Glasgow, with closing submissions due on November 17 and 18. A judgment is expected afterwards. Reported The ballot is a separate process.
Other unions have backed the campaign. SAG-AFTRA, which represents many video game performers, put out a statement of support on November 9, and The Register reports that the Communications Workers of America has too. Reported
Does this affect GTA 6’s launch?
Nothing Rockstar or the union has said suggests it does. GTA 6 is finished, according to Take-Two, and it is still set for November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. See our release date guide and the launch live page.
Neither side has said when the result will be announced. We will report it when it is.
FAQ
When is the Rockstar union vote?
Voting runs from November 12 to November 26, 2026. It is open to Rockstar’s UK employees below director level.
Which union is it?
The Rockstar Game Workers Union, part of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB).
Has Rockstar said it will accept the result?
Its head of publishing, Jennifer Kolbe, told Bloomberg that management will respect the outcome.
Will the vote delay GTA 6?
There is no sign of that. GTA 6 is finished and still launches on November 19.
Sources
- The Register — Rockstar workers vote on union recognition as GTA VI launch looms (Nov 12, 2026)
- Brit Brief — Rockstar staff begin union recognition vote (Nov 12, 2026)
- GamesBeat — SAG-AFTRA applauds the Rockstar union vote
- The Escapist — Rockstar UK staff will vote on IWGB recognition
