It is being brought up that the WMF has brought on the law firm Littler Mendelson <https://www.nlrb.gov/case/20-RC-391740> for this case, which has been noted to have a history of trying to avoid unionization for their corporate clients.
For example this Wired piece says “When you hire Littler Mendelson, it’s an indication that you’re prepared to do whatever is necessary to defeat the union campaign,” says Logan. “That you’re prepared to play hardball. <https://www.wired.com/story/apples-union-busting-campaign-caused-a-bad-fallout/>” If the WMF just wants to make sure staff have the ability to decide independently, choosing this law firm may not have been the best choice. Do we have estimates on timelines and costs? Best James On Wed, Jul 29, 2026 at 12:04 PM James Heilman <[email protected]> wrote: > Thanks Jimbo, that makes complete sense and also based on that agree a > secret vote is best :-) > > J > > On Wed, Jul 29, 2026 at 5:41 PM Jimmy Wales <[email protected]> wrote: > >> >> >> >But Mike if we already have a "supermajority of the workers already did >> vote by signing a card"... why is additional process required for processes >> sake? How is >this not a waste of time, energy, and money to result at an >> already clear outcome? >> >> Hi James, this was a question that I had as well, and so I looked into it >> and thought about it. One of the problems with the process so far is that >> it was >> not secret and we have heard from some staff members that they felt >> pressured because the organizers would know how they decided. That isn't a >> great process and it goes against our movement's values quite badly to have >> people in a situation where they are pressured into something one way or >> the other. >> >> It's pretty easy to see the problem if we imagine it in the other >> direction - imagine some company asking staff to sign pledge cards not to >> join a union, and keeping track of who did or didn't in order to put >> pressure on those who didn't. Gross. It doesn't make it better for it to >> be the other way around in my own personal view. >> >> I want a process where staff are safe to deliberate in the privacy of >> their own minds and make the decision based on all the available evidence >> that makes the most sense to them. So I don't think insisting on a proper >> vote is process for the sake of process and I say that with my own estimate >> that the staff will vote to support unionization. I think we'll be in a >> better place if it's really clear - a clean and clear choice with no chance >> of pressure. >> >> In terms of time, energy, and money - I don't think it should take very >> long and again speaking only for myself I hope we get it done as quickly >> and efficiently as we can and I hope that everyone - staff, management, >> board, and community can come together to celebrate the outcome. I know I >> will. >> >> --Jimbo >> > > > -- > James Heilman > MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian > -- James Heilman MD, CCFP-EM, Wikipedian
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