Wikimedia Foundation US Workers Vote to Unionize with Communications Workers of America

Union Victory for Wikimedia Foundation US Workers

US-based employees of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit behind Wikipedia, have successfully voted to unionize. They will join Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9415. This outcome follows an election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Part of a Global Organizing Effort

This unionization effort in the US is a component of a broader global initiative by Wikimedia Foundation workers, known as Wiki Workers United (WWU). The campaign seeks to establish collective bargaining frameworks in various countries to enhance worker voice, transparency, equity, and shared stewardship within the organization. Similar efforts are underway, including a petition for recognition in the U.K.

Path to Recognition

In July, US-based workers initially requested union recognition after a majority signed authorization cards. When management did not voluntarily recognize the union, workers proceeded with the NLRB-supervised election. This victory is seen by organizers as a significant milestone in a decade-long journey to organize coworkers.

Goals for Collective Bargaining

With the union now recognized, the next step involves negotiating a contract. The CWA Local 9415 and WWU aim to use this collective power to secure a strong contract that provides Wikimedia workers with a meaningful voice, regardless of their legal jurisdiction, job duty, or hours of employment. The effort has also received support from over 2,000 Wikimedia volunteers and community members.