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

In early 2024, a significant change in employee benefits at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, initiated by new owner Microsoft, unexpectedly ignited a unionization drive. The elimination of a highly valued on-site doctor service for employees and their families prompted swift action.

IGN has confirmed that over a hundred employees at King's Stockholm studio formed a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union, in the autumn of 2024. This group is now officially recognized and engaged in discussions with management, aiming to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Swedish union structures differ from those in the U.S. Membership is open to eligible workers regardless of company-level organization, resulting in approximately 70% union participation nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide terms, while individual membership offers additional benefits. However, establishing a union club and securing a CBA provides further advantages, including workplace-specific benefits and representation in company decision-making. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish games industry, with similar developments at Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

The catalyst for unionization at King Stockholm was the removal of the popular on-site doctor service. Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, explained that this benefit, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, was highly valued for its personal, responsive care. The abrupt cancellation with only a week's notice, despite the offer of alternative health insurance deemed inferior, sparked widespread discontent.

This event galvanized employee action. The previously inactive union Slack channel saw a surge in membership, reaching 217 members. This led to the formation of the union club in October 2024. While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance on unionization, King's response has been described as neutral.

Although regaining the lost doctor service is unlikely, the union aims to secure a CBA to safeguard existing benefits and address other concerns, including salary, transparency, and protection against layoffs. The union also serves as a valuable resource for employees, particularly those unfamiliar with Swedish employment rights.

Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, highlighted the mutual benefit of unionization, emphasizing employee input into workplace decisions. He also noted the importance of educating employees about their rights, especially within the game development industry's diverse workforce.

For Falck and her colleagues, the union's formation, while initially a reaction to a negative change, is fundamentally about preserving the positive aspects of their workplace culture and benefits.