Collective agreement at King
After more than a year of negotiations, mediation and notice of industrial action, games company King has signed a collective agreement. It is a hard-fought victory for King employees and for the Swedish model.
Fair Conditions and a Strong Voice for King Employees
Unionen welcomes King’s decision to sign a collective bargaining agreement. Through this agreement, the company is taking an important step towards creating secure and predictable long term conditions for its employees, while also contributing to a more sustainable games industry.
According to Martin Wästfelt, Head of Negotiations at Unionen, the journey towards a collective bargaining agreement at King demonstrates the power of employees organising and standing firm in support of their demands.
– This is a major victory for Unionen members at King. For a long time, they have stood firm in their demand for a collective bargaining agreement and refused to give up, despite what has at times been a long and challenging journey. When people organise, stand together and speak up for their working conditions, they can achieve real change. This agreement is clear proof of that.
He also highlights the collaboration between Unionen and the Engineers of Sweeden.
– The success at King is also the result of a strong partnership between Unionen and Engineers of Sweden. For many years, our unions have worked together to improve conditions in the tech and games industries, demonstrating that collective action can make a real difference.
Henrik Jönsson, board member of the Unionen branch at King, describes the agreement as the result of determined efforts by its members.
– I am incredibly proud of our members. We have fought for a collective bargaining agreement for a long time, and at times the goal seemed far away. But we never gave up. The fact that we now have an agreement in place shows what is possible when colleagues unite around a common goal and continue to push the issue forward together.
The fact that King ultimately chose to sign a collective agreement after tough negotiations is also confirmation that the Swedish model remains strong.
– King has shown that the Swedish model works. Despite tough negotiations and different starting points, we were ultimately able to reach an agreement. It is a victory for the members, for collective bargaining and for a model that continues to deliver stability and influence in the Swedish labour market, concludes Martin Wästfelt.
As a result, the strike notice issued jointly by Unionen and Engineers of Sweden on 15 September has been withdrawn.
