King declines collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions

King, the creator of the popular Candy Crush game, has declined a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Swedish trade unions Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. In a company email, King president Todd Green explained that after a year of negotiations, the company concluded that adopting the CBA at this time would not be in the best interest of its employees.

Green stated that King's current benefits package is already favorable, offering competitive terms such as pensions, long-term sick pay, private health insurance, and parental leave. He added that implementing the CBA would require significant changes to how the company operates in Sweden, including its processes, policies, and ways of working.

Green emphasized that this decision was not made lightly and reflects no lack of respect for trade unions or the Swedish labor model. King will continue to engage with the trade union club in an open and constructive manner, as previously stated. Unionen, the Swedish union, expressed disappointment in King's decision, noting that employees had demanded a collective bargaining agreement for greater security, transparency, and influence in the workplace.

Despite the union's strong engagement among King employees, King maintains that its current benefits and operating model are appropriate for the company. King also pointed out that they are a Swedish-founded company with respect for the Swedish labor market model and labor unions.