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 ignited a unionization drive. Microsoft, the new owner, eliminated a highly valued employee benefit: a dedicated, on-site doctor for employees and their families. This decision, communicated with only a week's notice, prompted widespread discontent among staff who had grown accustomed to this exceptional perk.

This event spurred over one hundred employees at King's Stockholm location to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union. This action reflects a unique aspect of Swedish labor relations, where union membership is common and significantly impacts workplace dynamics. Unlike in the U.S., Swedish workers can join unions regardless of company organization, leading to a high unionization rate. Unions negotiate industry-wide standards, but forming a company-specific union club allows for collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) securing additional benefits and workplace protections. This mirrors similar trends at other Swedish game developers like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, described the previously dormant union activity within King. The elimination of the company doctor, a highly valued resource, galvanized employees. While a replacement health insurance plan was offered, it lacked the personalized care and accessibility of the previous arrangement. This sparked open discussions within the company, highlighting the lack of employee bargaining power without a CBA.

The ensuing surge in union interest led to the formation of the King Stockholm Unionen chapter in October 2024. While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance on unionization, the initial response from Activision Blizzard HR has been described as neutral. The union's primary goal is not to reinstate the lost doctor benefit, but to secure a CBA that protects existing benefits and ensures employee input on future changes. Key areas of focus include salary, transparency, and protection against layoffs.

Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasized the importance of employee participation in shaping workplace conditions. The union provides a platform for employees to share their experiences and advocate for their rights, especially valuable for the diverse international workforce at King. The unionization effort, initially a reaction to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive measure to safeguard the company culture and employee well-being.