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 unexpectedly ignited a unionization drive. Microsoft, the new owner, eliminated a highly valued employee benefit: a dedicated, on-site doctor for staff and their families. This decision, communicated with only a week's notice, prompted widespread discontent among employees who had grown reliant on this resource.

This event catalyzed the formation of a union club at King's Stockholm location, involving over one hundred employees and the Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union. The group aims to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to protect employee rights, working conditions, and benefits.

Swedish unionization differs from the U.S. model. Membership is independent of company-specific organization, resulting in high union participation (approximately 70%). While sector-wide negotiations cover basics like salaries and sick leave, forming a union club allows for company-specific CBAs, offering additional benefits and influence in management decisions. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish games industry.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, highlighted the pre-2024 quiet union presence, with only a handful of members. The elimination of the private doctor benefit, however, sparked widespread discussion and a surge in union interest, boosting membership to 217.

While the loss of the doctor benefit is irreversible, the union aims to prevent similar occurrences through the CBA. Negotiations will focus on preserving existing benefits, addressing salary transparency, protecting against company reorganizations and layoffs, and ensuring employee voices are heard in significant company decisions. The union also serves as a crucial resource for educating employees, particularly international workers, about their rights.

Unionen organizer Timo Rybak emphasized the mutual benefit of unionization, providing employees with a platform to share their experiences and insights with management, fostering a more collaborative and informed workplace. The union's formation, initially a response to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive effort to safeguard the company culture and employee well-being.