In early 2024, a significant change in employee benefits at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, instigated by new owner Microsoft, unexpectedly spurred unionization efforts. The elimination of a popular on-site doctor benefit for employees and their families ignited widespread discontent and galvanized action.
IGN learned that over 100 employees at King's Stockholm studio subsequently formed a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union. This group, now officially recognized by management, aims to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to influence workplace conditions, policies, and benefits.
Swedish unionization differs from the U.S. model. Swedish workers can join unions regardless of company organization, resulting in approximately 70% union membership nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide agreements, while individual membership offers additional perks. However, forming a union club and securing a CBA provides company-specific benefits and representation at management levels, a trend already established at other Swedish game companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.
The catalyst for unionization at King Stockholm was the abrupt termination of a highly valued employee benefit: a private doctor service for employees and their families. This service, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided readily available healthcare and support, becoming integral to many employees' well-being. Its removal, with only a week's notice, prompted widespread outrage. While alternative private health insurance was offered, it lacked the personalized care and accessibility of the previous arrangement.
This event, unlike previous company issues, sparked open discussion across the company's communication channels. Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, highlights the lack of bargaining power without a CBA. The ensuing surge in union interest rapidly increased membership in the company's union Slack channel from approximately ten to 217 members. The group subsequently formalized their union club in October 2024. [IGN contacted Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King for comment but received no response.]
While the lost doctor benefit is irretrievable, the newly formed union aims to secure a CBA to protect existing benefits and influence future changes. Key issues include salary transparency, protection against reorganizations and layoffs, and a greater voice in company decisions. Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasizes the value of employee input in shaping workplace conditions. He points out that unionization provides employees, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, with a platform to understand and advocate for their rights.
The union's formation, initially a reaction to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive effort to preserve King's positive work culture and benefits, fostering a stronger sense of community and shared advocacy amongst employees. The sharing of information on employee rights has already proven beneficial, particularly for international developers who may be unfamiliar with Swedish employment laws. The union's ultimate goal is to ensure employee voices are heard and valued within the company.
