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 company doctor for employees and their families—sparked outrage and galvanized workers.

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 recognized by company management, aims to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to govern workplace conditions, policies, and benefits.

Swedish unions differ from their U.S. counterparts. Swedish workers can join a union regardless of company organization, resulting in approximately 70% union membership nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide agreements on issues like salaries and sick leave, while individual membership offers additional benefits. However, forming a union club and securing a CBA allows for workplace-specific benefits negotiated by a local union board, even granting representation at upper management levels. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish gaming industry, previously seen 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 company doctor dramatically shifted the landscape. This doctor, highly valued for her responsiveness and empathetic approach to employee healthcare, had become integral to the Stockholm office's well-being. The abrupt removal, with only a week's notice, caused widespread discontent. While a private health insurance replacement was offered, it lacked the personal touch and accessibility of the previous arrangement.

This event triggered an unprecedented level of discussion among employees. The previously dormant union Slack channel rapidly gained members, reaching 217 by the time of this interview. This surge in interest led to the formation of a union club and a union board in October 2024. [IGN contacted Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King for comment but received no response.]

Since its formation, the King union has held meetings with Activision Blizzard HR, receiving a neutral response, consistent with Swedish labor laws and Microsoft’s publicly stated neutral approach to unions. While the loss of the private doctor benefit is irreversible, the union aims to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and influencing future changes. Key concerns include salary transparency, protection against company reorganizations and layoffs, and the ability to meaningfully influence workplace decisions.

Union organizer Timo Rybak highlights the value of employee input, emphasizing the unique perspective workers bring to company decisions. He also notes the importance of unionization in educating employees about their rights, particularly beneficial for the diverse workforce common in the game development and IT sectors.

The King Stockholm union, born from a specific grievance, now seeks to protect the overall workplace culture and benefits valued by its members. It has already proven valuable in disseminating information about employee rights, benefiting both long-term employees and those newer to the company. The union’s ultimate goal is to ensure a voice for its members and contribute to a positive and supportive work environment.