The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) has accused US publishing giant Rockstar of firing staff due to union activity. 

Bloomberg reports that between 30 and 40 workers were made redundant in its UK and Canadian offices last week. IWGB claims that every member of staff affected were in a private trade union Discord server and were either trying to organise workers at Rockstar or were members of the union itself. 

“Rockstar has just carried out one of the most blatant and ruthless acts of union busting in the history of the games industry,” IWGB president Alex Marshall said. 

“This flagrant contempt for the law and for the lives of the workers who bring in their billions is an insult to their fans and the global industry.”

As reported by PCGamer, Rockstar parent company Take-Two has denied that there is any foul play and instead has insisted that all these affected staff were let go for gross misconduct. 

"We strive to make the world’s best entertainment properties by giving our best-in-class creative teams positive work environments and ongoing career opportunities," Take-Two global corporate comms boss Alan Lewis said. "Our culture is focused on teamwork, excellence, and kindness. Rockstar Games terminated a small number of individuals for gross misconduct, and for no other reason. As always, we fully support Rockstar's ambitions and approach."