In early 2024, a significant change at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office ignited a unionization drive. Microsoft, the new owner, eliminated a highly valued employee benefit: a dedicated, on-site doctor for staff and their families. This unexpected move prompted over one hundred employees at King's Stockholm location to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union.

Swedish unions differ from their U.S. counterparts. Membership is independent of company-level organization, resulting in approximately 70% union participation nationwide. Unions negotiate sector-wide benefits, while individual membership offers additional perks. However, forming a union club and securing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provides company-specific benefits and influence. This mirrors trends at other Swedish game companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, described the pre-2024 situation as having minimal union activity. The company Slack channel dedicated to union discussions remained largely inactive. The turning point arrived in early January 2024 with the announcement of the doctor's removal. This benefit, highly valued for its personal touch and support, especially during the pandemic, was rescinded with only a week's notice. While a private health insurance replacement was offered, it lacked the personalized care of the previous arrangement.

This sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the lack of employee bargaining power without a CBA. Falck revived the union Slack channel, which rapidly gained members, reaching 217 by the time of the interview. The group subsequently formed a union club in October 2024.

While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance towards unions, the King union’s initial meetings with Activision Blizzard HR have been described as neutral. The union's primary goal is not to reinstate the lost doctor benefit but to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and providing a voice in future company decisions. Key areas of focus include salary, transparency, protection against reorganizations and layoffs, and overall workplace influence.

Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasized the mutual benefit of unionization, providing employees with a platform to share their knowledge of daily work processes with management. He also highlighted the importance of educating employees, particularly immigrant workers, about their rights. The union has already begun sharing information about employee rights, benefiting both long-term and recently hired employees.

Ultimately, the King Stockholm union's formation, though initially triggered by a negative event, aims to preserve the company culture and benefits valued by its members. It represents a shift towards greater employee influence and protection within the workplace.