How the Removal of a Private Doctor Sparked a Union at the Developer of Candy Crush

In early 2024, a significant change at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, under new ownership by Microsoft, unexpectedly ignited a unionization drive. The removal of a highly valued employee benefit – a private family doctor – prompted over 100 employees at King's Stockholm location to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union. This action reflects a growing trend within the Swedish gaming industry, following similar moves at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

The Swedish union landscape differs significantly from that of the U.S. Union membership is widespread (approximately 70% of the workforce), and legal frameworks are generally more supportive of unions. While sector-wide negotiations cover basic working conditions, forming a company-specific union club allows for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This CBA secures additional benefits and provides union representation at higher management levels, influencing major company decisions.

Prior to the benefit cut, union activity at King Stockholm was minimal. However, the abrupt removal of the popular private doctor, with only a week's notice, sparked widespread discontent. While a replacement health insurance plan was offered, it lacked the personalized care and accessibility of the previous arrangement. This event galvanized employees, leading to a surge in union membership, ultimately resulting in the October 2024 vote to establish a union club with a formal board. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Despite the inability to reinstate the lost benefit, the union aims to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and addressing other key concerns. These include salary transparency, protection against company reorganizations and layoffs, and improved communication regarding company decisions. A key objective is to ensure employee voices are heard and considered in shaping their workplace.

Unionen organizer Timo Rybak highlights the value of employee input, emphasizing the unique perspective workers bring to discussions about their daily work. The union also serves as a valuable resource for educating employees, particularly immigrant workers, about their rights under Swedish labor law. For Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, the union's formation is about preserving the positive aspects of King's culture and benefits.