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, inadvertently ignited a unionization drive. The removal of a highly valued employee benefit – a private company doctor for employees and their families – prompted over one hundred employees to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union.

This action reflects a unique aspect of Swedish labor relations. Union membership is widespread (approximately 70%), and unions negotiate industry-wide standards. However, forming a company-specific union club allows for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), securing additional workplace benefits and providing a voice in company decisions. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish games industry, with similar unionization efforts at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

The catalyst for the King Stockholm union was the abrupt termination of the popular company doctor benefit, with only a week's notice. While a private health insurance plan replaced it, employees felt the personal touch and responsiveness of the previous arrangement were irreplaceable. This sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the lack of bargaining power without a CBA.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, explained the shift in employee sentiment. The previously dormant union Slack channel, with only a handful of members, quickly swelled to over 200 after the benefit change. This galvanized the group to formally organize with Unionen in October 2024.

While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance on unionization, the King Stockholm union's initial meetings with Activision Blizzard HR have been described as "neutral." The union's primary goal is not to reinstate the lost benefit, but to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and influencing future company decisions regarding salary, transparency, reorganizations, and layoffs.

Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasizes the value of employee input in negotiations. The union provides a platform for employees to share their experiences and advocate for their rights, particularly beneficial for immigrant workers who may be less familiar with Swedish employment laws. The unionization effort at King Stockholm, initially a response to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive measure to preserve the company culture and employee benefits. The union aims to ensure a voice for employees in shaping their workplace for the better.