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 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 union membership rate (approximately 70%). Unions negotiate sector-wide agreements, but forming a company-specific union club allows for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) securing additional benefits and workplace influence. This follows a growing trend in the Swedish games industry, with similar unionization efforts at Paradox Interactive and Avalanche Studios.

The catalyst for this unionization at King Stockholm was the abrupt cancellation of the popular company doctor program, with only a week's notice. 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 sparked widespread discussion among employees, highlighting the lack of bargaining power without a CBA.

Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, explained that prior to this event, union activity was minimal. However, the doctor's removal galvanized employees, leading to a surge in union membership, reaching 217 members. The group subsequently formed a union club in October 2024. While Microsoft has publicly committed to a neutral stance on unions, a response from the company regarding this specific situation was not received.

The union's primary goal is not to reinstate the lost benefit but to secure a CBA protecting existing benefits and addressing other concerns. These include salary transparency, protection against company reorganizations and layoffs, and improved communication about company decisions. The union also emphasizes the importance of employee input and knowledge sharing, particularly beneficial for the diverse international workforce at King. Unionen organizer Timo Rybak highlights the value of employee perspectives in workplace decisions, acknowledging that management often lacks direct insight into daily work realities. The union also serves as a valuable resource for educating employees about their rights, particularly those unfamiliar with Swedish labor laws.

Ultimately, the union's formation, born from a perceived injustice, aims to preserve the positive aspects of King's work culture and benefits for the future.