We Are the REI Union.
We are unionizing at REI!
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We know that as workers at REI, we are at the center of what makes our stores great. Our shared passion for the outdoors and spirit of inclusiveness is what keeps our members coming into our stores. Our hard work and expertise have value and deserve respect.
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We’re unionizing at REI because we have not been provided with the working conditions and benefits we need to do the job we love. REI needs to be held accountable to their stated values. Too many of us are struggling to make ends meet, and we shouldn’t have to worry about things like sudden cuts to our hours.
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Having a union contract gives you and your coworkers a voice in the policies that affect your daily work lives and the ability to secure the benefits you deserve. That’s why we’re coming together at REI to advocate for guaranteed minimum hours, pay that reflects our value and seniority, improved safety standards, and real job protections - all guaranteed in writing.
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We voted to unionize at our stores to help build a better REI for everyone! We believe that the REAL way forward is with a union and that no matter where you work, you and your coworkers should have a say in how your store is run. We all deserve better. We all deserve a union.
Get Involved:
Co-op Members Pledge to Reject REI’s Corporate Slate as Board Election Kicks Off
March 3rd, 2025
REI’s Board election kicked off today, and the company announced they didn’t include Tefere Gebre or Shemona Moreno on the ballot. In response, the REI Union held a press conference outside the Seattle Flagship store, where union workers voiced their disappointment over REI’s refusal to nominate our popular pro-climate and pro-worker candidates.
Co-op members nationwide are also shocked by REI’s decision, so they’re using their collective voice this week to vote against REI’s newest round of corporate Board candidates. They’re taking to REI’s online voting platform, voting ‘withhold’ instead of selecting a pre-nominated candidate, and telling REI they’re sick of the direction our Co-op is heading in. Learn how you can take action as a member here.
REI Greensboro WINS Union Election
January 24th, 2025 - via RWDSU:
“Tonight, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced that workers at the REI Co-op in Greensboro, North Carolina voted to join the RWDSU, making REI Greensboro the eleventh unionized REI store in the country. Greensboro workers proudly unite with green vests organizing under the banner of the REI Union from coast to coast, fighting for fair pay, guaranteed hours, a clear path to full-time status, and transfer opportunities within the company.”
The REI Union is absolutely thrilled to have our coworkers in Greensboro joining our movement. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish with their collective voice as they start negotiating with REI over the changes they need to see at their store. Congratulations Greensboro!
REI Announces the Retirement of CEO & President Eric Artz
January 22nd, 2024 - via Modern Retail:
“After 6 years at the helm of REI, the co-op’s president and CEO Eric Artz will retire at the end of March. His successor, Mary Beth Laughton, will take over the role on February 3 and assume full CEO responsibilities by March 31.”
The REI Union is excited to work alongside Mary Beth to build a better Co-op for workers and members alike. We’ll have more to share about this development and what it means for REI workers and members in the coming weeks.
Read the full piece here.
REI lays off 400 workers and eliminates its ‘Experiences’ Division
January 8th, 2024 - via KUOW: “REI is shutting down its classes, tours, and events business, collectively known as Experiences. The outdoor retailer announced the end of Experiences on Wednesday, laying off hundreds of employees in the division.”
“Experiences guide Emily Burchett said REI is missing the bigger picture. She was one of 428 employees laid off - ‘People who take an REI class will spend a certain percentage more at REI than even our REI members,” she said. “And the likelihood of them turning into REI members after taking a class is much higher. So Experiences may not be making the money, but we're bringing the money into the stores."
Read the full piece here.
Why We're Unionizing At REI
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