GoKawiilKing signs collective bargaining deal with Swedish unions, avoids strike
Microsoft-owned King has agreed to a collective bargaining agreement covering its Swedish staff, signed with Unionen and Engineers of Sweden just a day before a planned strike. The deal, effective April 1, 2027, follows negotiations that began in May 2025 after King removed a private doctor benefit in 2024, prompting employees to unionize.
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The agreement reverses King's earlier stance against collective bargaining, a position it shared with other tech firms like Apple, Amazon and Activision Blizzard facing unionization efforts. It suggests growing pressure on large tech and gaming employers to align with local labor norms, especially as Microsoft continues layoffs across its Xbox division, though the deal does not prevent future job cuts.
- King signed a CBA with Swedish unions, averting a scheduled strike.
- The agreement takes effect April 1, 2027, giving workers more input on workplace changes.
- It brings King's labor practices closer to Sweden's norm, where most workers have union-based job security.
Source: engadget.com — Will Shanklin, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “Candy Crush maker signs collective bargaining agreement, averting strike”
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