Wells Fargo workers rally in uptown Charlotte for better pay and union rights
Union supporters and Wells Fargo employees gathered in uptown Wednesday evening, rallying for higher wages and improved working conditions.
The demonstration called for a fair union contract for employees represented by Wells Fargo Workers United. It was led by the Communications Workers of America, North Carolina American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, and Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ.
Belinda Signil, a Wells Fargo union member, said the union gives workers a real voice where concerns are not swept under the rug. She allegedly was “illegally terminated” from a branch in Apopka, Florida, according to the union.
“We need a union contract to be able to raise ethical concerns about how our customers are treated — without fear of losing our jobs,” Signil added. “The job security of a union contract helps protect us when we raise flags as we encounter them.”
Union continues to push for change in Charlotte
The San Francisco-based bank employs approximately 27,000 people in the Charlotte region, making the city the company’s largest employment hub. Nationally, however, the union’s footprint remains small. The Wells Fargo union currently represents about 200 members across 26 locations, roughly 0.1% of the bank’s 205,000-person global workforce.
The Communications Workers of America claims Wells Fargo has a history of labor interference, including allegations of illegal intimidation, retaliatory firing, and stalling contract negotiations. To date, the union has filed more than 60 charges with the National Labor Relations Board.
Recent NLRB findings showed merit in complaints involving five branches, leading Wells Fargo to agree to post notices affirming it will not violate workers’ rights. Additionally, the NLRB approved a settlement regarding the firing of Andy King, a personal banker who assisted in organizing a Casper, Wyoming, branch in September 2024.
Wells Fargo Union faces nationwide setbacks
The union faced setbacks in March when employees at several branches sought to cut ties with the organization. Among those was an Apex branch near Raleigh — the first and only Carolinas location to join the Wells Fargo union.
While the union campaign initially launched with significant fanfare, some workers eventually felt they would be better off without the representation. These employees cited instances of the union overpromising and failing to deliver tangible change, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Wells Fargo union representatives attributed departures to high turnover rates in retail banking, which they say thins out pro-union staff and allows the company to reach new hires with anti-union messaging. The union further alleged the bank deliberately delayed a fair first contract that would establish workplace rights and wage protections.
Wells Fargo denied allegations of intimidation, stating the bank respects its employees’ right to choose their representation. The bank noted that negotiations are ongoing at 22 unionized branches and emphasized it spent more than 150 days at the bargaining table since talks began in November 2024.
The bank said Wells Fargo’s negotiation team has responded promptly to all union requests for information and has consistently made itself available to meet with Communications Workers of America representatives.
“Wells Fargo respects the rights of our employees and other interested parties to express their views,” the bank said in a statement. ”While opinions may differ, we remain focused on our ongoing constructive and good-faith bargaining sessions with the union. Our goal remains reaching fair contracts for all involved.”
The organizing efforts, which began in 2021, aim to eventually expand further into Charlotte. Following Wednesday’s rally, workers delivered a signed petition to management expressing frustration over bargaining delays that have persisted for less than two years.
“It is past time for executives to live up to their word and bargain a fair contract in good faith because Wells Fargo workers deserve respect and decent working conditions for their dedication serving bank customers,” said Communications Workers of America organizer Nick Weiner.
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 2:29 PM.
