Fair Work Ombudsman clarifies leave rights ahead of GTA 6 release

The upcoming release of Rockstar Games’ “Grand Theft Auto VI” has prompted workplace regulators and military units to address employee leave requests. In Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) used social media to clarify that the game's release does not entitle workers to legally guaranteed unpaid leave categories, such as parental leave, carer's leave, or community service leave. The FWO noted that while employees can request time off, approval for unpaid leave remains at the discretion of the employer and must be negotiated through employment contracts or agreements.

In the United States, the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, has taken a different approach. The unit announced a special four-day pass in November for soldiers who sign reenlistment contracts, specifically timed to coincide with the game's release.