King workers to strike in Sweden after rejecting collective bargaining deal

King employees in Sweden will strike on September 25 if the company and trade unions fail to reach an agreement during ongoing mediation, according to strike notices issued by Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer on September 15.

The unions seek a collective bargaining agreement that would give workers greater influence over workplace terms and conditions, along with job security. Unionen stated that such agreements cover more than pay, including pensions, insurance, working hours and the ability to influence workplace conditions. "It is a cornerstone of security in the Swedish labour market," the union wrote.

King rejected the proposed agreement last month. The company's chief operating officer Ulrika Höjgård said King offers "fair and competitive employment terms" and believes its benefits and conditions meet or exceed those typically provided under a collective bargaining agreement. "We have also established a constructive dialogue with our local union representatives," Höjgård said.

In a June email to employees, King president Todd Green outlined the company's reasoning. He stated that King's current benefits offering, which includes enhanced pension, long-term sick pay, private healthcare and parental leave, is better for Swedish employees than what a CBA would provide. Green said entering into a collective bargaining agreement would require structural changes to how the company operates in Sweden, including processes, policies and ways of working, which King believes would be negative for employees.

Naturvetarna, DIK and Akademikerförbundet SSR have also announced their intention to strike in solidarity with Unionen and Sveriges Ingenjörer. Mediation between the parties is currently ongoing.