Kelly Joins Colleagues in Calling Out Wells Fargo’s Union-Busting

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and colleagues in writing to Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf to condemn the bank's union-busting tactics and refusal to bargain in good faith with employees.

Since 2023, Wells Fargo workers have won 28 union elections across 14 states, citing aggressive sales goals that lead to consumer issues, staffing shortages, substandard pay, and a toxic workplace culture as reasons for organizing. But instead of respecting those efforts, Wells Fargo has launched a new push discouraging unionization among its workforce, with the Communications Workers of America filing 33 unfair labor practice charges alleging retaliation, and at least one case involving an unlawful termination in Wyoming.

"As Senators representing constituents who are Wells Fargo employees and customers across the country, we write with concern regarding Wells Fargo's continued anti-union activity, refusal to bargain in good faith with unionized workers, and alleged unlawful conduct with respect to worker organizing efforts," the Senators wrote. "In the wake of unfair labor practice (ULP) charges filed against your company, we write to urge Wells Fargo to fully respect employees' right to unionize as required by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and bargain in good faith with your unionized employees attempting to form a first collective bargaining agreement."

The senators noted that Wells Fargo's workplace culture has previously harmed both employees and customers: "Workers who elected to unionize cite aggressive sales goals that lead to consumer issues, staffing shortages that leave current employees overburdened, and substandard pay as key reasons for joining a union. Workers also describe a toxic culture that causes damage to employee wellbeing. Notably, workers report that company management's practices prevent them from effectively serving customers and small businesses. Indeed, allowing workers to feel safe reporting problematic policies and giving them a more level voice in communicating with the company could help prevent the types of issues that led to the unauthorized opening of millions of customer accounts in 2016."

The Senators also raised concerns that Wells Fargo has stalled negotiations with unionized workers and refused to bargain over differences, such as layoffs and scheduling changes: "Finally, we are concerned that the company appears to refuse to bargain in good faith with your employees who have already elected to unionize. Recent reports show that Wells Fargo negotiators are employing stalling techniques during negotiations, such as insisting that every proposal be read aloud, and have insisted that each location bargain individually with the company. These actions stand in contrast to Wells Fargo's stated commitment to improving workplace culture and restoring trust."

"Your employees are entitled to fair wages and safe working conditions. We urge you to stop this union busting campaign, bargain in good faith with your unionized employees, and ensure that your small business and individual customers are well served," the Senators concluded.

In addition to Kelly and Gallego, the letter was signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

READ MORE: Reuters: US senators demand Wells Fargo welcome employee unions

Read the full letter here.