In early 2024, a significant change at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, under new ownership by Microsoft, unexpectedly ignited a unionization drive. The elimination of a highly valued employee benefit – a private company doctor for employees and their families – prompted over one hundred employees at King's Stockholm location to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union.
This action reflects a unique aspect of Swedish labor relations. Union membership is widespread, with approximately 70% of the workforce participating. While unions negotiate industry-wide agreements, individual company-level union clubs can secure Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) providing additional workplace-specific benefits. This contrasts with the U.S. system, where unionization typically occurs at the company level.
The catalyst for the King Stockholm union was the abrupt removal of the popular company doctor, with only a week's notice. While a private health insurance plan was offered as a replacement, it lacked the personalized care and accessibility of the previous arrangement. This sparked widespread discontent, leading to a surge in union interest. The previously inactive company Slack channel dedicated to union discussions rapidly grew from nine or ten members to over 217.
Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, highlighted the lack of bargaining power without a CBA. The swift action to form a union club, culminating in an October 2024 vote, aimed to secure future benefits and address concerns about salary transparency, company reorganizations, and layoffs.
Microsoft's publicly stated neutral stance towards unions appears to be consistent with its actions in Sweden. While the lost company doctor benefit is irretrievable, the union aims to negotiate a CBA to safeguard existing benefits and improve employee influence over workplace decisions.
Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasized the mutual benefits of unionization, providing employees with a voice in company matters and access to information about their rights. This is particularly relevant in the gaming industry, which often employs a diverse workforce, including many international workers who may not be fully aware of Swedish employment laws. The union's efforts extend beyond collective bargaining, including educating employees about their rights and fostering a stronger sense of community.
For the King Stockholm employees, the union's formation, initially a response to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive effort to preserve the positive aspects of their workplace culture and benefits. It represents a shift towards greater employee empowerment and influence within the company.
