King and Swedish unions reach collective bargaining deal after strike threat
King has signed a collective agreement with Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer after more than a year of negotiations, following a call for industrial action. The deal provides job security and greater employee influence over workplace terms. Unionen called it a major victory and proof that organized workers can achieve real change.
The agreement follows more than a year of negotiations between King and the two unions, Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. Last week, union members issued a call for industrial action, which prompted the company to return to the bargaining table. The deal covers job security and gives employees greater influence over workplace terms.
Unionen's Martin Wästfelt described the outcome as a major victory, noting that members persisted through a challenging process. Henrik Jönsson, a Unionen branch board member at King, expressed pride in the members' determination. King executives had previously defended their rejection of a collective agreement, citing respect for the Swedish labour model, but maintained they would continue constructive dialogue.
This agreement could signal a shift in how game-industry employers respond to union organizing efforts, particularly in Sweden where the collective bargaining model is well established. Workers at King may now have stronger job security and more say in workplace decisions, which could influence other tech and games companies facing similar demands. The outcome may encourage organized workers in the sector to pursue collective agreements, potentially reshaping labour relations across the industry.