Across the country, workers are proving that organizing works—and that solidarity can transform industries once considered out of reach. From bank tellers and nuclear facility contractors to federal employees and tech staff, recent victories show a labor movement gaining momentum and confidence.

Banking on a Union Future

For decades, the banking industry was considered nearly impossible to organize. But that’s changing fast. Frontline workers at Wells Fargo branches across several states have voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) — marking a historic step toward unionizing one of the nation’s largest financial institutions.

Citing short-staffing, unrealistic sales goals, and unsafe dual job roles, workers organized branch by branch, proving that persistence and community can overcome deep corporate resistance. As one CWA organizer put it, “This isn’t just about Wells Fargo — it’s about changing what’s possible for white-collar workers everywhere.”

Federal Workers Stand Strong During the Shutdown

During the ongoing federal government shutdown, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) scored an important win for public-sector workers. A federal judge issued an injunction blocking the administration from firing “excepted” federal workers forced to report during the shutdown — a ruling that protects thousands of essential employees from retaliation.

The decision underscored how unions aren’t just organizing new workers — they’re defending existing members through the courts and in the public arena.

At a time when political brinkmanship has left federal workers in limbo, AFGE’s action provided both relief and a reminder: the law is on the side of those who stand together.

Quiet Victories Across the Map

While big names like Amazon and Starbucks grab headlines, a quieter revolution is underway. The NLRB reports that unions are now winning nearly 80% of all elections, representing close to 100,000 newly organized workers in a single year — the highest number since 2009.

Recent victories include:

  • More than 1,100 planners, designers, and field techs at Southern California Edison have won their union election, voting to join Local 20 IFPTE!
  • Dozens of smaller campaigns are documented in the AFL-CIO’s “Worker Wins” series, highlighting retail, service, and healthcare workers who are uniting for fair pay and respect on the job.
  • Each small win adds up. Together, they’re building the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive labor movement.

Why Workers Are Organizing Now

What’s driving this surge? A mix of economic pressure and renewed confidence. Workers are fed up with short staffing, unpredictable schedules, and stagnant wages — especially in industries that thrived during the pandemic while workers bore the risk.

At the same time, public support for unions remains sky-high — nearly 70% of Americans say they approve of organized labor, and support among young workers is even stronger. Organizing campaigns are also more strategic, using digital tools, peer-to-peer networks, and member-driven messaging to build solidarity.

What It Means for the Future

These victories are reshaping the map of organized labor. The success of banking and tech workers shows that union power isn’t limited to factories or shipyards — it’s expanding into new frontiers of the modern economy.

Still, the fight is far from over. Employer opposition remains fierce, anti-union legislation is reemerging, and many newly organized groups are still working to win their first contracts. But momentum is building — and workers are refusing to back down.

As the saying goes: When we fight, we win.