Union voices concerns over Rockstar Games return to office decision, Management refusing to listen

A Workers Union has voiced concerns over Rockstar Games latest decision to force employees to return back to the offices at least 5 days per week.

IWGB, also known as Independent Works Union Of Great Britain have released a press release today, raising concerns about Rockstar Games forcing the majority of its employees back into the offices for at least 5 days a week, officially starting from April 15th 2024.

The Union has highlighted how pretty much none of Rockstar Games employees want to revert back to a full working week back in the office and how beneficial working from home has become for staff. Including staff who have Disabilities, Health Issues and Care Responsibilities. People who suffer from these will now suffer even more by struggling to get into the offices.

IWGB have described the move as ‘reckless decision making’ and have raised concerns about ill-planning and serious impacts on wellbeing. Select individuals were notified in early February, though official communications took over three weeks to emerge, leaving many anxious of circulating rumours.

It has also been stated that the Management at Rockstar Games is refusing to listen or engage with employees and have said they will be pulling the plug on their remote access technology which will shut down any possibility of any staff working from home. This isn’t the first instance that management at Rockstar have refused to listen to its staff and been ruthless towards them.

It was revealed last night that working from home is ending due to GTA VI entering final stages of development. With Rockstar Games apparently bringing up lack of productivity when working from home and Security concerns. The Union have suggested that Rockstar Games have not provided any evidence to staff that suggests there has been a lack of productivity or Security concerns.

All this has come a year after nearly 200 Rockstar Employees signed a petition opposing a mandatory being in the office for at least 3 days a week.

The Union have released what some of its members that work for Rockstar Games think about the ridiculous deicision.

An anonymous Rockstar worker says, “Working from home has been a lifeline for many of us at Rockstar, allowing us to balance care responsibilities, manage disabilities, and relocate as we need. Now, Rockstar is snatching away that lifeline without a second thought for the workers who’ll be impacted most. After so many broken promises we now fear management may even be paving the way for a return to toxic ‘crunch’ practices. Senior leadership need to rethink their reckless decision making and engage with their staff to find an arrangement that works for everyone.”

Another shares, “As usual, there has been zero consultation with us: the people who these policy changes most affect. Just one of my concerns is being forced to work late hours in the office to maintain contact with global teams when before we could log on from home to attend late meetings. This will mean missing out on spending time with our families. I am also aware of colleagues who have health issues preventing full time office work who are now left in limbo.”

Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, one worker says, “We the staff care greatly about the games we make and our passion, skill, and talent should never be taken for granted by studio management. It is together, through collaboration and a healthy work life balance and workplace culture that we continue making some of the most beloved and spectacular games in our industry.”

You can read the full Union Press release here.

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