by Elijah Mar 16,2025
In early 2024, a seemingly minor decision by Activision Blizzard, under its new owner Microsoft, ignited a significant unionization effort at its Stockholm office. The removal of a popular employee benefit—a private doctor for employees and their families—unexpectedly galvanized staff.
IGN learned that last fall, over one hundred employees at King’s Stockholm location formed a union club with Unionen, Sweden’s largest trade union. This group, now formally 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 a relevant trade union regardless of company organization, resulting in approximately 70% union membership nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide conditions, while individual membership offers additional benefits. However, forming a company union club and securing a CBA provides further workplace-specific advantages, including representation at senior management levels. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish games industry, observed at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.
Prior to 2024, union activity at King Stockholm was minimal. A company Slack channel dedicated to union discussions remained largely inactive, with only a handful of members. However, the January 2024 announcement regarding the removal of the private doctor benefit dramatically changed this. This benefit, highly valued by employees, was rescinded with only a week's notice, forcing a scramble to find alternative healthcare. While private health insurance was offered as a replacement, employees felt it lacked the personalized care of their previous doctor.
This unexpected change sparked widespread discussion among employees, highlighting a lack of bargaining power without a CBA. This prompted a resurgence of interest in the union Slack channel, swelling its membership to 217. Subsequently, in October 2024, the group voted to formally establish a union club with a board. [IGN contacted Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King for comment but received no response.]
Since its formation, the King union has engaged with Activision Blizzard HR, receiving a neutral response, consistent with Swedish law and Microsoft's publicly stated neutral approach toward unions. While the lost doctor benefit is irretrievable, the union aims to negotiate a CBA to safeguard existing benefits and address other key concerns.
These concerns include salary and information transparency, protection against reorganizations and layoffs, and overall workplace influence. As Timo Rybak, Unionen Stockholm organizer, explains, unionization provides employees with a voice in shaping their workplace and access to information unavailable to management. This is particularly crucial in the games industry, with its diverse workforce, including many international employees who may be unaware of their full rights.
The King Stockholm union's formation, initially a response to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive effort to preserve the positive aspects of their work environment and protect employee rights. The union aims to protect the company culture and benefits they value.
Serial Cleaner is out now on iOS and Android for fast-paced freshening up in aid of crime
Zenless Zone Zero Update Cycle Leak Hints at Future Content cadence
Popular PC Metroidvania Blasphemous Is Out Now on Android
Pokémon Adds Another Game to the NSO Library
Rise of the Ronin Devs' Unannounced AAA Title in the Works
Balatro adds 8 franchises and more madcap mayhem with Friends of Jimbo 3 update
Diablo 4 Unveils Exciting Unique Items for Season 5
Construction Simulator 4 Guide: Tips and Tricks to Help You Get Started
Ludo Online: Play with Friends
DownloadAngel & Devil Paint by Number
DownloadLove & Death Paint by Number
DownloadHorror Color by Number
DownloadLudo Online Game Multiplayer
DownloadColoring Book -Paint by Number
DownloadLOTR Color by Number
DownloadColor Painting
DownloadLudo Blitz
DownloadInfinity Nikki: How To Take Photo At Center Of Silken Lake
Mar 16,2025
Pokemon Bowls Inspired by Chinese Zodiac Signs For Sale For Limited Time
Mar 16,2025
The Pokémon Anime Is Finally Aging Up Its Main Cast After Almost 30 Years
Mar 16,2025
The Sims Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Mar 16,2025
Top 30 Adventure Games
Mar 16,2025