King, the developer behind Candy Crush Saga, is facing a strike notice from Swedish unions after months of stalled negotiations. At least two Swedish unions have issued the notice, and workers could walk off the job if a deal isn’t reached by September 25th.
The Standoff At King
The standoff centers on a collective bargaining agreement, or CBA, that workers have sought for over a year. The unions say the contract would cover pensions, insurance, working hours and workplace influence. King’s executives have pushed back, arguing the company’s current setup already delivers strong benefits.
The Strike Notice From Unionen
Unionen, Sweden’s largest trade union, posted on LinkedIn to announce the move. Its statement reads: “Our members at King are entitled to secure conditions, a say in their workplace and clear rules that apply to everyone. That is why Unionen is giving notice of strike action.”
The notice follows a year of talks that have failed to produce a deal. The unions argue that a CBA would establish consistent rules for how workers are treated.
King’s Refusal To Agree
King’s response to worker requests in June was blunt. Executives refused to agree to the contract, saying the company’s “current benefits offering is better for our employees” and that its “current operating model is the right fit for King, including our operations in Sweden, at this time.”
The refusal set the stage for the strike threat. Unions now have the legal right to call workers off the job if talks collapse.
Swedish Engineers Weigh In
Swedish Engineers, another union involved in the dispute, released its own statement. The press release notes that arbiters are working to mediate a solution between the two sides.
“A strike is not something we take lightly,” the union wrote. “But the signal from our members at King is that they want us to take the next step to secure their conditions and influence.”
The statement suggests workers are ready to push past mediation if arbitration fails to produce a resolution. The union is holding its position while keeping the door open for a negotiated settlement.
What The Strike Would Cover
The unions have laid out what they are fighting for. A CBA would address pensions, insurance, working hours and workplace influence, according to the unions’ statements.
Pensions are a central concern. Workers want guaranteed retirement provisions that protect their savings over the course of their careers.
Insurance coverage is another key issue. The contract would establish clear rules around health and other benefits, ensuring workers know what protections they have.
Working hours are also on the table. The unions want to define how much time workers spend on the job and under what conditions.
Workplace influence rounds out the package. The contract would give workers a say in decisions that affect their daily work life.
| Issue | Union Position | King Position |
|---|---|---|
| Pensions | Guaranteed protections | Current offering already sufficient |
| Insurance | Clear rules and coverage | Current offering already sufficient |
| Working hours | Defined limits | Current model already fit |
| Workplace influence | Worker input on decisions | Current model already fit |
The September Deadline
The strike deadline is September 25th. If no agreement is reached by that date, workers will go on strike.
The unions have not said how long a strike might last or how many workers would participate. Those details will likely emerge closer to the deadline.
King has not commented publicly on the September timeline beyond its June refusal. The company has maintained that its existing arrangements are adequate for its workforce.
Arbitration And The Path Forward
Arbiters are working to mediate a solution. The unions have made it clear they are prepared to act if talks fail.
King has not announced contingency plans. The company has not said what it would do if workers leave the job.
The dispute remains unresolved. Workers have shown they are willing to take action, and the September deadline looms.
The unions have made their position clear. They want a contract, and they are prepared to fight for it.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.