A record-breaking quarter for worker freedom

Michael Ciccio
April 14, 2025

At the Freedom Foundation we set ambitious goals every year, but 2025 is already shaping up to be one for the books.

In the first quarter alone, we helped 11,311 government workers leave their unions, which will cost the unions a combined $10.7 million just this year alone.

That makes this the most successful first quarter in our organization’s history.

A staggering 61 percent increase over Q1 of last year.

California and Washington led the charge with more than 5,000 opt-outs from CA and over 1,000 from WA. We also saw standout growth in states like New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which together contributed nearly 2,000 opt-outs this quarter.

But these numbers represent more than just statistics; they signal a growing shift in public sentiment. More and more public employees are waking up to the costs and consequences of their government unions.

They’re choosing independence, accountability and freedom.

With nearly 40,000 workers opting out last year and this year already off to a record-setting start, one thing is clear — momentum is on our side.

- Outreach
, California, Washington

Michael Ciccio

National Director

Michael Ciccio serves as the National Director for the Freedom Foundation. Michael has over a decade of experience organizing activists and professionals, as well as coaching and advising on topics such as public speaking, organizing tactics, and media strategy. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2008, Michael jumped right into the New Hampshire political sphere, working for various campaigns and within the New Hampshire State Senate. Most recently he served as the director of staff training at Americans for Prosperity, one of the nation’s premier grassroots organizations. During his 7 years at the organization, he focused on the continued expansion of grassroots capabilities.