Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, fires former CTO and disbands the Community Tech team, drawing criticism for union busting

Wikimedia Foundation fired former CTO Brooke Vibber in May 2026, then dissolved its Community Technology team a week later, cutting six roles.

Critics, including digital activist Jake Orlowitz, say the moves amount to union-busting by removing people tied to organizing efforts.

The cuts hit a team that turned editor requests into products, raising concerns about governance, labor relations, and Wikimedia’s community-first model.

Some volunteer editors are also showing solidarity, deepening scrutiny of the foundation’s treatment of core contributors.