King Averts Strike by Signing Collective Bargaining Deal
Swedish unions Unionen and Engineers of Sweden have dropped their strike notice at King after the Candy Crush studio signed a collective bargaining agreement. The strike had been scheduled to start on 25 September 2026 if no deal was reached. Union representatives described the agreement as a step toward stable working conditions and a more sustainable games industry.
King, the studio behind Candy Crush, faced a strike notice filed by Unionen on 15 September 2026. Talks had stalled, and Sweden’s National Mediation Office was expected to mediate before a planned walkout on 25 September 2026.
The dispute followed King’s earlier refusal in August 2026 of an employee-backed bargaining proposal. Its president argued the company’s existing model suited its Swedish operations. After negotiations, both Unionen and Engineers of Sweden pulled the strike notice when King signed an agreement.
The deal may affect King employees in Sweden by giving them a formal framework for working conditions and workplace influence. It could also encourage other game and tech workers considering union efforts, while employers may weigh reputational and operational risks of disputes. For players, direct changes are unlikely, though a more stable studio environment might support continuity. The outcome may signal that collective bargaining remains viable in Sweden’s games sector, but its broader effects are uncertain.