SENIOR leaders from 23 trade unions and community groups urged Rockstar Games to voluntarily recognise the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) as its workforce’s trade union in an open letter published today.

The general secretaries of PCS, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), BWAFU and Aslef issued the call as the developer prepares to release the highly anticipated sixth instalment in the Grand Theft Auto game series in November.

“Without the Rockstar workforce, Grand Theft Auto would not be one of the highest grossing video game franchises of all time,” says the letter co-ordinated by Strike Map.

“Workers at Rockstar have chosen the IWGB for their union, and it is only right that Rockstar respects their choice and agrees to bargain with them.”

Last month, IWGB called for official recognition from Rockstar, saying it wanted to address pay transparency, flexible working arrangements and overtime expectations.

Some of its members have brought legal action against the Edinburgh-based company, claiming they were illegally sacked last October for union activity. Rockstar has strenuously denied this and accused them of committing gross misconduct.

Strike Map co-founder Henry Fowler said: “Today’s joint union action sends a clear message to Rockstar Games and to private-sector employers across the country: our movement is determined to rebuild union strength across every part of society.”

IWGB general secretary Henry Chango-Lopez said: “The support of so many other unions shows that this campaign reaches far beyond one workplace.

“Thousands of workers across the UK and the rest of the world have been following the journey of the union at Rockstar, and can clearly see these workers’ right to be represented by the IWGB.

“After years of organising at the studio, our members have built a powerful presence that has only grown stronger. Rockstar now knows that the wider trade union movement is united behind our recognition bid, and will be watching closely to see what it does next.”

BFAWU general secretary Sarah Woolley said: “Building union strength is in the interests of every worker.”

FBU general secretary Steve Wright added: “The Employment Rights Act 2025 provides new opportunities for unions to reach workers across the private sector and organise at scale.

“We must seize those opportunities to launch a new wave of unionisation.”

Rockstar Games was contacted for comment.