In early 2024, a significant change at Activision Blizzard's Stockholm office, under new ownership 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. Union membership is widespread, encompassing roughly 70% of the workforce. While individual union membership offers benefits, forming a union club allows for collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that secure additional workplace-specific advantages. This contrasts with the U.S. system, where unionization often requires company-wide organization.
The catalyst for unionization at King's Stockholm studio was the abrupt cancellation of the private doctor service, providing only a week's notice. While a private health insurance plan replaced it, employees felt the replacement lacked the personalized care and responsiveness of the previous arrangement. This sparked widespread discussion and a surge in union interest, transforming a previously inactive Slack channel into a hub of activity with over 200 members.
Kajsa Sima Falck, an engineering manager and union board member, highlighted the lack of bargaining power without a CBA. The incident underscored the need for a collective voice to negotiate benefits and workplace conditions. Following months of planning and communication with Unionen, the union club was officially formed in October 2024.
While Microsoft has publicly committed to neutrality towards unions, the King Stockholm union aims to secure a CBA to protect existing benefits and address concerns such as salary transparency, information sharing regarding company reorganizations and layoffs, and employee rights. The union also serves as a crucial resource for educating employees, particularly those from diverse international backgrounds, about their rights and entitlements.
Timo Rybak, a Unionen Stockholm organizer, emphasized the mutual benefit of unionization, enabling employees to provide valuable insights into daily operations and advocate for their collective well-being. The unionization effort, initially a response to a negative change, has evolved into a proactive measure to safeguard the company culture and valued employee benefits. The ultimate goal is to ensure a voice in shaping the future of their workplace.
