How the Removal of a Private Doctor Sparked a Union at the Developer of Candy Crush

In early 2024, a seemingly small change at Activision Blizzard’s Stockholm office—the removal of a popular employee benefit—unexpectedly ignited a significant unionization effort. Microsoft, Activision Blizzard's new owner, eliminated a highly valued on-site doctor service for employees and their families, a benefit introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision, communicated with only a week's notice, prompted widespread discontent among staff who had come to rely heavily on this resource. While a private health insurance plan was offered as a replacement, employees felt it lacked the personalized care and accessibility of the previous arrangement.

This event catalyzed the formation of a union club at King’s Stockholm location. Over one hundred employees, previously a small, largely inactive group, quickly joined Unionen, Sweden’s largest trade union. This surge in union interest, fueled by the perceived injustice of the healthcare benefit removal, led to the establishment of a union board in October 2024, aiming to secure a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Swedish union landscape differs significantly from that of the U.S. Union membership is common, with roughly 70% of the workforce participating. While sector-wide negotiations cover basic working conditions, forming a company-specific union club allows for negotiating additional benefits and influencing company decisions. This model has gained traction in the Swedish gaming industry, with similar unionization efforts at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager at King and a board member of the newly formed union, highlighted the stark contrast between the pre- and post-healthcare change environment. The initial lack of a CBA left employees feeling powerless to challenge the decision. The subsequent unionization effort, however, aims to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and providing a voice in future company decisions. While regaining the lost doctor service is unrealistic, the union prioritizes securing a CBA to prevent similar situations and ensure employee input on significant changes.

Key concerns for the union include salary transparency, protection against reorganizations and layoffs, and greater employee influence over workplace policies. The union also emphasizes educating employees about their rights, particularly benefiting international workers who may be unfamiliar with Swedish labor laws. Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, underscored the importance of employee involvement in decision-making, providing valuable insights into daily operations that management might otherwise lack.

For Falck and her colleagues, the union’s formation represents a proactive effort to preserve the positive aspects of their work environment, safeguarding both benefits and company culture. While the initial trigger was a negative change, the ultimate goal is to foster a more collaborative and equitable workplace. [IGN reached out to Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King for comment but did not receive a response.]