About Stout Solidarity

Stout Solidarity provides bargaining, contract enforcement, leadership development and training support to labor unions during periods of heightened demand, transition, or limited internal capacity.

Unions and labor advocates are often required to manage complex negotiations, grievance backlogs, and leader development needs while staffing levels remain fixed and while geographic realities create challenges. Stout Solidarity exists to help unions meet those moments with experienced, steady support—without compromising bargaining standards, internal relationships, or long-term staff sustainability.

Stout Solidarity was founded by Christopher (“Chris”) Stout, a long-time union professional who has worked in the union movement since 2007. Chris has served as a union staff representative and negotiator, with extensive experience in collective bargaining, administering union contracts, and training and developing leaders. His past work includes leading and supporting contract negotiations, advising bargaining committees, and collaborating closely with union leadership and union staff to win strong and fair agreements.

The firm focuses on clearly scoped engagements. This includes serving as chief or supporting negotiator at bargaining tables from beginning to end, assisting with specific contract enforcement matters, working with unions on leadership development, and designing and delivering trainings for members and staff. These projects are structured to complement—not replace—existing union staff, with an emphasis on communication, coordination, and continuity.

Stout Solidarity’s approach is collaborative and disciplined, with building-the-union always in mind. Engagements are designed to integrate smoothly into a union’s internal processes, respect established roles, and conclude with a clear transition back to regular staff. The goal is not simply to complete a project, but to strengthen outcomes while preserving institutional knowledge and trust.

Based in Washington State, Stout Solidarity works with unions locally and nationally, providing remote and in-person support depending on the needs of the engagement.