The Hamburg-based Goodgame Studios are known for browser and free-to-play games. However, the company is now facing criticism for laying off some employees, and there are allegations that this is intended to prevent the establishment of a works council.
In companies, restructuring and layoffs happen from time to time. Therefore, the dismissal of 28 employees at Goodgame Studios would not be unusual. If it weren’t for a former employee coming forward, who now claims that of these 28 employees, 15 wanted to establish a works council. The works council was supposed to be installed in December 2015/January 2016. It is quite surprising that these layoffs occurred just now. Furthermore, the ex-employee claims that among the dismissed employees there are those who had expressed criticism towards the company.
Do the Goodgame Studios not want a works council?
This could of course just be the statement of a disgruntled former employee wanting to get back at their ex-employer. However, looking at the reviews of Goodgame Studios on the platform Kununu, one gets the impression that there might be some truth to the story. For on Kununu, one reads the opinions of many dissatisfied employees of the company who wish for a works council. The big question is why there isn’t one. There is no obligation to establish a works council, yet it would show respect towards employees to install one in the company.
Company Statement
The Goodgame Studios have commented on the layoffs but do not address the allegation of undermining the establishment of a works council, stating only: “After thorough examination, the company has decided to separate from 28 employees from different departments with immediate effect for operational reasons, such as performance deficits.” Is there more to this?
