The Rockstar Games Workers Union (RSGWU) has reached an important milestone in its campaign for official recognition. The union has now held its first formal meeting with Rockstar management, describing it as a positive step, even though both sides still have work to do before an agreement is reached. The meeting comes months ahead of the big GTA 6 release date this November.

The union, which is part of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), is seeking voluntary recognition from Rockstar. If approved, it would be able to negotiate pay, working conditions, and other workplace policies on behalf of its members.

What is the RSGWU asking for?

Following the meeting, the union shared an update on social media, saying it was able to explain why workers should have a stronger voice within the company. The organization is pushing for five main improvements, which are as follows:

• No crunch time
• Pay transparency
• Flexible working
• No to AI replacing workers
• A commitment to no layoffs

It also said the meeting resulted in a roadmap for a faster negotiation process. However, Rockstar has not yet agreed to recognize the union. Instead, both sides will first work on defining the bargaining unit, which determines exactly which employees the union would represent. This is the next major step before any recognition agreement can move forward.

If voluntary recognition is ultimately rejected, the union has said it will seek statutory recognition, a legal process that could require Rockstar to recognize the union if enough eligible employees are members. Once officially recognized, the union plans to push for several workplace changes.

Its priorities include ending unpaid crunch, improving pay transparency, restoring flexible working arrangements, protecting employees from layoffs, and ensuring AI is not used to replace workers. Crunch has been one of the biggest issues raised by employees. Some developers have previously claimed that long overtime hours have become a normal part of working at Rockstar, prompting calls for stronger protections.

The union was also formed amid an ongoing dispute involving employees who were dismissed last year. While Rockstar said the firings were related to the sharing of confidential information, the IWGB has argued they were connected to union activity.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.