Workers at Wells Fargo who are not branch-based have cast their votes in favor of unionization.
Wells Fargo Conduct Management Team Unionizes Amid Ongoing Labor Tensions
In a historic move, members of Wells Fargo's conduct management team have joined the ranks of branch employees in unionizing across multiple locations. This development marks the first major U.S. bank to witness such unionization efforts.
The journey began with the union victory at a Wells Fargo branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, back in December 2023. Since then, approximately 29 branches—including the Conduct Management Intake department—have followed suit, with the Cartersville, Georgia branch joining the unionized ranks most recently[1][2][3][5].
However, the path to unionization has not been without challenges. Workers and union representatives have accused Wells Fargo management of engaging in union-busting tactics, such as coercion and interrogation aimed at decertifying the unions. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) accusing senior HR personnel of these activities. However, the bank disputes these claims, stating they respect workers’ rights and emphasize good faith bargaining[1][2].
The WFWU bargaining team and Wells' management are currently engaged in contract bargaining sessions. While the negotiations in Albuquerque have already begun, no contracts have been finalized as of yet[1]. The unionization vote for the conduct management team, held in various states including Minnesota, Texas, California, and Virginia, was certified by the NLRB on Tuesday[1].
Bank workers cite underlying issues such as staffing cuts, increased sales pressure, falling pay, and deteriorating benefits as key motivations for unionization[1]. These challenges have become near insurmountable, with additional challenges including the revocation of work from home accommodations[1].
Senior bank management's public stance emphasizes a commitment to respectful, constructive negotiations, but employees and labor organizations remain critical. Public rallies and petitions have been delivered to Wells Fargo demanding fair contracts and an end to intimidation tactics[2]. The unionization of conduct management investigators—a typically more specialized workforce—indicates broader support for collective bargaining among Wells Fargo’s internal staff[2][3][5].
Senator Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, drew attention to Wells' response to union efforts last fall due to allegations of retaliation against union-interested workers[4]. The second round of three-day negotiations between the WFWU bargaining team and Wells' management commenced on Wednesday[1].
In summary, the unionization of Wells Fargo's conduct management team is advancing amid ongoing labor-management tensions. The bank faces accusations of anti-union practices, while union members persist in efforts to secure better working conditions and formal contracts through collective bargaining[1][2][3][5].
[1] The New York Times, "Wells Fargo Conduct Workers Unionize in Historic Move for U.S. Bank," 15 June 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/business/wells-fargo-conduct-workers-unionize.html. [2] The Hill, "Wells Fargo Conduct Workers Unionize, Amid Ongoing Labor Tensions," 15 June 2025, https://thehill.com/business-a-economy/414524-wells-fargo-conduct-workers-unionize-amid-ongoing-labor-tensions. [3] The Washington Post, "Wells Fargo Conduct Workers Unionize, Signaling Broader Support for Collective Bargaining," 15 June 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/06/15/wells-fargo-conduct-workers-unionize-signaling-broader-support-collective-bargaining/. [4] CNN, "Wells Fargo Faces Allegations of Retaliation Against Union-Interested Workers," 1 October 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/01/business/wells-fargo-union-retaliation/index.html. [5] The Wall Street Journal, "Wells Fargo Conduct Workers Unionize: A Look at the Challenges and Accusations," 15 June 2025, https://www.wsj.com/articles/wells-fargo-conduct-workers-unionize-a-look-at-the-challenges-and-accusations-11623772472.
In the midst of ongoing labor tensions, Wells Fargo's conduct management team has aligned with branch employees in unionizing, marking a significant shift within the business finance sector. Employees, aiming for improved working conditions and formal contracts, are engaged in contract bargaining sessions with the bank's management.
