Striking For A Better Future: REI Workers Unite

Since the creation of the REI Union in 2022, workers have been in an ongoing battle to secure their first union contract. 

REI leadership has failed to negotiate in good faith, instead engaging in a range of union-busting tactics and unlawful practices aimed at undermining organizing efforts, delaying negotiations, and preventing workers from securing stronger wages, benefits, and collective bargaining rights. Most recently, REI workers and members announced a vote to boycott the company during the May 2026 Anniversary Sale. The recent threat of a national boycott at REI highlights growing tensions between workers and management in the retail industry, raising broader questions about labor rights and corporate responsibility. 

REI is a consumer co-op, which is a business owned and democratically controlled by its customers. Consumers can purchase a $30 membership, giving them better deals and bulkier discounts in stores. They also receive benefits like exclusive sales, an annual dividend on future purchases, and the power to vote for the board of directors. While this may be a benefit to consumers, workers are not granted any of the same authorities or protections.    

Across the United States, a coalition of REI workers has organized to form the REI Union with the goal of fighting for a better future at the co-op. Since the movement began, 11 stores have succeeded at unionizing with workers hoping to connect with more members and expand their coalition. 

The movement initially began in 2022 as REI’s workers in Manhattan’s SoHo filed for union representation with the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Workers criticized the company for conducting layoffs of long-term staff following the reopening of stores after pandemic closures and claimed they failed to be transparent on COVID safety rules. Employees also maintained that they do not receive livable wages and failed to receive health benefits even though they have been working 40 hours a week. According to Mother Jones, a nonprofit progressive magazine that focuses on investigative journalism, an online article published on February 18 reads, “In an online petition, workers claim the company has responded to the union by forcing them to go to anti-union meetings, putting up anti-union posters, and enforcing a freeze on promotions.” These predatory behaviors have only increased the desire for workers to unionize and advocate for better treatment. 

The union is concentrated on obtaining a wide range of benefits and improvements for workers including fair wages, improved staffing, and a greater voice in company decision-making. Workers have specifically mapped out “10 Essentials” they wish to see the company adopt and improve. Some examples include guaranteed minimum hours, living wages, job security, safe working conditions, protective leave policies, bereavement pay, retirement plans, and more. 

Despite years of organizing, the company has failed to negotiate in good faith with the union being unable to secure its first collective bargaining agreement. In March 2026, REI declared an impasse which allowed the company to adopt changes unilaterally. The adjustments made included cuts to wages, vacation and sick pay, and retirement benefits. In response, the union challenged the impasse, deeming it illegal with claims being filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Most recently, on March 17, REI workers and members announced a vote to boycott the company. Since REI has failed to adopt a union contract and illegally cut workers’ benefits and pay, the union and co-op members have decided to join together in protest of the company’s actions. On March 25, co-op members and customers will be allowed to vote with workers on whether to boycott the company. Individuals can visit the REI Union website to cast a vote in support of the boycott. The union hopes a joining of forces will send a clear and powerful message to the company that customers desire an REI with a union contract. 

To learn more about the union, here is a link to their website. To keep up to date on the union’s activities, here is a link to sign up for their newsletter. To support REI workers, sign the pledge to stand in solidarity with the union. To cast a vote to boycott REI, sign here. 

Action Steps

1. Write to your senators to fight for the PRO Act. Click here

Additional Materials

1. Read about Blue Bottle Coffee workers fight for a living wage here

2. Read about Trader Joe’s grocery workers unionizing here

3.Read about the previous fight against Amazon here

4. Read about the fight for $15 wages here

5. Read about Amazon Labor Unions here

6. Read about Amazon Union in New York here

7. Read about Trader Joe Unions here

8.Read about Whole Food’s First Union here