Rockstar denies spying on union members as dismissed staff face tribunal
Twenty-three former Rockstar employees are suing for unfair dismissal over alleged trade-union activity, while the company insists the firings were for leaking confidential information.
A group of twenty-three ex-Rockstar workers has brought an employment tribunal case alleging unfair dismissal tied to their trade-union activities, with representation from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain. Rockstar’s HR vice president, Robert Spampinato, was questioned about screenshots from a Discord channel that allegedly listed union members, which the company says were provided by an internal source.
Spampinato denied any systematic monitoring and maintained that the terminations were based on gross misconduct for leaking sensitive information, not union involvement. He explained that the company only acted in October 2025, citing a “crisis mode” as development of the upcoming GTA VI fell behind schedule. Rockstar reiterated its stance, stating the dismissals were justified and that it will defend the case vigorously. The tribunal continues before judge Lucy Wiseman.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions between corporate confidentiality policies and workers' rights to organize.
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