King workers call strike after collective agreement negotiations stall
Employees at King, the Microsoft-owned developer of Candy Crush, are set to strike on September 25, 2026, following a breakdown in collective bargaining negotiations. Multiple Swedish trade unions—Unionen, Sveriges Ingenjörer, Naturvetarna, DIK, and Akademikerförbundet SSR—have announced their participation in the strike action, indicating widespread worker dissatisfaction across the studio.
The negotiations for a collective agreement have been ongoing for over a year, with Unionen representing a large proportion of King’s workforce. After executives rejected a proposed collective bargaining agreement last month, Unionen formally submitted a strike notice on September 15. Current mediation efforts are underway to resolve the impasse before the scheduled strike date.
This coordinated labor action reflects broader tensions within the gaming industry regarding worker rights, compensation, and employment conditions. The involvement of multiple unions suggests strong solidarity among different worker groups at the studio, strengthening the union’s bargaining position. If mediation fails to produce an agreement by September 25, the strike will significantly impact King’s operations and potentially disrupt the continued development and support of its games.