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 one hundred 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, mirroring similar unionization efforts at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.
Swedish unionization differs significantly from the U.S. model. Membership is readily available to eligible workers regardless of company-level organization, resulting in approximately 70% union participation nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide agreements on conditions like salaries and sick leave, while individual membership offers additional benefits. However, forming a union club and securing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provides workplace-specific advantages, including a greater voice in company decisions.
The catalyst for the King Stockholm union was the abrupt termination of the private doctor benefit, which had been particularly valued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of prior consultation and the short notice caused widespread discontent. While employees were offered alternative private health insurance, it lacked the personal touch and responsiveness of the previous arrangement. This sparked a surge in union interest, rapidly increasing membership from a handful to over 200.
Following official union formation, initial meetings with Activision Blizzard HR have been described as "neutral," aligning with Microsoft's publicly stated neutral stance towards unions. While the lost doctor benefit is irretrievable, the union aims to secure a CBA to safeguard existing benefits and address other key concerns. These include salary transparency, protection against company reorganizations and layoffs, and improved information sharing regarding employee rights, particularly beneficial for the many international employees at King.
Union organizer Timo Rybak emphasizes the mutual benefit of unionization, enabling employees to provide valuable insights into daily operations, bridging the gap between management and the workforce. He highlights the importance of educating employees about their rights, especially within the game development industry's diverse workforce.
For Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, the union's formation is about preserving King's positive work culture and employee benefits. The initial reaction to the loss of the doctor benefit transformed into a proactive effort to protect the aspects of their workplace that they value most. The union's ultimate goal is to ensure employee voices are heard and their interests protected in future company decisions.
