May I also point out the wonderfully detailed coverage on the French Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikip%C3%A9dia:RAW/2026-08-05/WWU
On Sun, Aug 2, 2026, 7:53 p.m. James Heilman <[email protected]> wrote: > 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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