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 company doctor for employees and their families – 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, following similar moves at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.
The Swedish union landscape differs significantly from that of the U.S. Union membership is widespread (approximately 70% of the population), and the legal framework is more supportive of unions. While employees can join a union regardless of company organization, forming a union club and securing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provides additional workplace-specific benefits and influence. A CBA allows for negotiation of workplace policies, benefits, and even input into major company decisions.
Prior to the benefit cut, union activity at King Stockholm was minimal. However, the abrupt removal of the popular company doctor, with only a week's notice, galvanized employees. While a replacement health insurance plan was offered, it lacked the personalized care and immediate accessibility of the previous arrangement. This sparked widespread discussion and a surge in union membership, rapidly increasing from a handful to over 200 members.
The subsequent formation of the King Stockholm union club has resulted in initial meetings with Activision Blizzard HR. While the response has been described as "neutral," aligning with Microsoft's publicly stated neutral stance toward unions, the union aims to secure a CBA to protect employee benefits and working conditions. Key areas of focus include salary, transparency regarding company information and reorganizations, layoff protections, and overall workplace influence.
Unionen organizer Timo Rybak highlights the value of employee input, emphasizing the unique perspective that workers bring to discussions about their daily work experiences. Kajsa Sima Falck, a King engineer and union board member, underscores the additional benefit of educating employees, particularly immigrant workers, about their rights and entitlements.
The unionization effort, initially a reaction to a perceived injustice, has evolved into a proactive measure to preserve the positive aspects of the King Stockholm work environment and culture, ensuring employee voices are heard and their interests protected in future changes.
