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, owned 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 100 employees to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union.

This action reflects the unique Swedish union landscape. Union membership is widespread (approximately 70%), and laws are generally supportive of collective bargaining. While individual union membership offers benefits, forming a union club and securing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provides additional workplace-specific advantages, including a voice in company decisions. This follows a trend in the Swedish gaming industry, with similar unionization efforts at companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

The catalyst for the King Stockholm union was the abrupt cancellation of the popular private doctor service. Employees received only a week's notice, forcing a scramble for alternative healthcare. While replacement health insurance was offered, it lacked the personal touch and accessibility of the previous arrangement. This sparked widespread discontent and fueled the unionization effort. Previously inactive, the company's internal union Slack channel rapidly gained members, reaching 217 before the official union club formation in October 2024.

Microsoft's publicly stated neutral stance towards unions appears to be consistent with their actions in this instance. While the lost doctor benefit is irretrievable, the union aims to secure a CBA to protect existing benefits and address other concerns. These include salary transparency, protection against company reorganizations and layoffs, and improved communication regarding company decisions.

Unionen organizer Timo Rybak emphasizes the mutual benefit of unionization, providing employees with a platform to share their insights and expertise with management. This is particularly relevant in the tech industry, with its diverse workforce, including many international employees who may be unfamiliar with their rights. The union also serves as an educational resource, empowering employees to advocate for themselves.

For Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, the union's formation is about preserving the positive aspects of their work environment. It's about safeguarding the culture, benefits, and overall employee experience at King Stockholm in the face of change. The initial reaction to a lost benefit has evolved into a proactive effort to secure a more equitable and stable future for all employees.