Candy Crush developer King, which is owned by Microsoft, has reached a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with two unions—Unionen and Engineers of Sweden—preventing an upcoming strike. The agreement was finalized on Thursday, just one day before workers were set to walk off the job and two days after the latest round of layoffs at Microsoft’s Xbox division. The deal will take effect on April 1, 2027, following months of negotiations that began in May 2025. The push for unionization was reportedly sparked by the sudden removal of a private doctor benefit in 2024, which led employees to form a union club and seek greater influence over their working conditions. This eventually led to a formal strike notice on September 15, followed by mediation efforts to resolve the dispute. King had previously resisted entering into a CBA, stating that its existing benefits were already favorable for employees and that restructuring under a union agreement could potentially harm workers. This stance is similar to that of other major tech and gaming companies like Apple, Amazon, and Activision Blizzard, which have also opposed unionization efforts. King’s management described its current model as "the right fit" for employees. However, the unions argue that the new agreement gives workers more influence over their working conditions and provides advance notice of changes that could impact their roles, including potential reorganizations. While the agreement does not eliminate the possibility of layoffs, it offers employees a more formal voice in decision-making processes. The deal also marks a step toward aligning King with Sweden’s broader labor norms. In Sweden, nearly nine out of 10 employees already have basic job security through collective bargaining agreements. Camilla Frankelius, head of negotiations at Engineers of Sweden, stated in a press release that the agreement is an important step for King, the gaming industry, and the Swedish model. She expressed anticipation for continued cooperation with the company and for employees to eventually receive the standard job security seen across the country. The agreement highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry as workers push for more stability and influence in their workplaces.