In early 2024, a seemingly minor decision by Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, under new ownership by Microsoft, unexpectedly ignited a unionization drive. The company's withdrawal of a popular employee benefit – a private family doctor – prompted over one hundred employees to form a union club with Unionen, Sweden's largest trade union.

This action reflects the unique Swedish union landscape. Unlike in the U.S., Swedish workers can join unions regardless of company organization, resulting in a high unionization rate (approximately 70%). Unions negotiate sector-wide agreements, but forming a company-specific union club allows for negotiating a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) securing additional workplace benefits. This mirrors a growing trend in the Swedish gaming industry, with companies like Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios already having established such unions.

The catalyst for King Stockholm's unionization was the abrupt cancellation of the private doctor benefit, a highly valued perk, with only a week's notice. While a private health insurance plan was offered as a replacement, employees felt it lacked the personal touch and responsiveness of their previous doctor. This sparked widespread discussion among employees, highlighting the lack of bargaining power without a CBA.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, described the previously dormant union Slack channel, which quickly gained over 200 members following the benefit removal. This surge in interest led to the formation of the King Stockholm union club in October 2024. While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance on unionization, the company has yet to respond to requests for comment.

The union's immediate goal isn't to reinstate the lost benefit, but to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and addressing other concerns. These include salary transparency, protection against reorganizations and layoffs, and improved communication. Timo Rybak, a Unionen organizer, emphasized the value of employee input in improving workplace conditions and ensuring fair treatment. The union also provides a platform for educating employees, particularly immigrant workers, about their rights.

Ultimately, the union's formation, though initially a reaction to a negative change, aims to safeguard the positive aspects of King's work environment and culture, ensuring employee voices are heard and considered in future decisions.