Workers file unfair labor practice charges against REI

November 20, 2023

REI Co-op workers with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union filed 80 nationwide unfair labor practice complaints against the outdoor retailer for bad-faith bargaining practices.

The union said the federal complaints showed “a pattern of egregious anti-union behavior, emotional manipulation, and retaliatory actions against workers.”

According to the union, examples included firings, changes to work schedules, and disciplinary practices. Workers from all eight unionized REI locations filed charges with their regional National Labor Relations Board offices.

The SoHo workers voted 88-14 to unionize in March 2022. The unfair labor practice filings come after worker walkouts at the Chicago; Maple Grove, Minnesota; and Boston locations. Other REI unionized stores are located in Berkeley, California; Cleveland; Durham, North Carolina; and Bellingham, Washington. BR