Unionized workers at REI have officially launched a boycott targeting the co-op’s anniversary sale, citing frustrations with "bad faith bargaining" during recent contract negotiations. The boycott, aimed to disrupt the anniversary sale running through May 25, arises from a series of contentious proposals and negotiation breakdowns between the union and the outdoor gear retailer.
The union alleges that during the most recent bargaining session, which concluded on April 30 in Chicago, REI failed to engage meaningfully. According to the union, the co-op "failed to offer a single proposal until the final day of bargaining, and failed to send its own vice president of labor relations, or any key decision-maker, to the table."
Key Union Grievances
Among the union’s chief concerns is what they describe as "outlandish, bad faith proposals" from REI. These proposals reportedly include a moratorium on union organizing efforts, which would bar the union from supporting workers at other REI locations seeking to unionize during the contract period. Additionally, the union criticized a non-disparagement agreement that they claim would stifle workers’ ability to speak out about conditions at the company. According to the union, this provision "would prevent REI Union members from speaking up about working conditions or anything that could be perceived as negative about the co-op, effectively silencing them."
Other contentious proposals cited include a requirement for the union to make a US$1 million donation to a charitable organization chosen by REI, as well as a six-year contract term – double the length of previous agreements under discussion.
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Voices From the Union
"My co-workers and I have spent the last four years showing up at the bargaining table for a fair contract, while REI has spent that time attempting to defeat us at every turn", said Alex Pollitt, an REI employee at the Bellingham store and member of the bargaining committee. "We’re calling for a nationwide boycott of REI’s anniversary sale because REI still refuses to take negotiations seriously and has left us with no other way to make our voices heard."
Pollitt emphasized the union’s commitment to achieving a mutually acceptable agreement, stating, "Our singular goal for the past four years has been to negotiate in good faith with REI and agree on a contract that upholds the values and legacy of this co-op. We have continued to reach out after bargaining ended last month. REI has the ability to pick up the phone and get serious."
REI‘s Response
In a statement published on its website, REI defended its approach to negotiations, asserting that it has been "engaged in ongoing bargaining" with unions representing workers at its 11 unionized stores. The co-op claimed it had come "prepared to bargain in good faith" but that "the parties were unable to reach an agreement."
The company expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to call for a boycott of the anniversary sale, describing it as a move that "targets the co-op." The statement continued, "It seems the union’s focus is on harming the financial wellbeing of the business, instead of advancing negotiations. The union’s dedication to undermining the business puts jobs, wages, benefits, and future opportunity at risk, and pulls everyone further from the progress our employees deserve."
REI reiterated its willingness to negotiate, stating, "REI remains ready to negotiate in good faith at the bargaining table – not on social media and not in response to public attacks or pressure campaigns. Every day spent escalating a public conflict is a day not spent at the bargaining table working to reach an agreement that supports our employees and protects the long-term health of the co-op."
The company concluded by saying, "We’re ready to continue bargaining when the union is willing to return to the bargaining table, as they have said they have no current interest in continuing to meet."
A Long-Running Dispute
The boycott marks the latest chapter in a prolonged dispute between REI and its unionized workforce, which has been campaigning for better contracts since 2022. Although a deal was reached in August of last year, the union has since accused REI of proposing to pay workers at unionized stores less than their counterparts at non-unionized locations.
As negotiations remain at a standstill, the boycott seeks to bring attention to the union’s demands and pressure the co-op to address their grievances. Whether the action will prompt renewed discussions remains to be seen, but tensions between the two sides show little sign of easing.