{"id":64761,"date":"2026-05-22T10:11:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ufcw.org\/?post_type=press_releases&p=64761"},"modified":"2026-05-22T10:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:14:10","slug":"as-historic-rei-boycott-continues-workers-reflect-on-four-year-fight-for-a-contract","status":"publish","type":"press_releases","link":"https:\/\/www.ufcw.org\/press-releases\/as-historic-rei-boycott-continues-workers-reflect-on-four-year-fight-for-a-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"As Historic REI Boycott Continues, Workers Reflect on Four-Year Fight for a Contract"},"content":{"rendered":"
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REI Union leafleting and rallying in 30 states, turning away thousands of customers during REI Co-op\u2019s Anniversary Sale<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Boycott the latest action in yearslong campaign for a fair contract<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Follow along <\/em>@REIUnion<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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ARCHIVAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE FOR USE<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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WASHINGTON, D.C.<\/strong> \u2013<\/strong> As the landmark boycott led by the REI Union<\/u><\/a><\/strong> continues, workers and supporters have turned away thousands of customers at brick-and-mortar REI stores across 30 states. The boycott will continue through Memorial Day until May 25, when the REI Co-op\u2019s Anniversary Sale concludes. The boycott is the latest in a four-year campaign to reach a fair union contract with the company. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cWe started organizing REI for fair pay, consistent scheduling, and to hold REI accountable to its values,\u201d said Jason Miller, a REI worker in Greensboro, N.C<\/strong>. \u201cSince then, we have been fought at every turn and denied a fair contract, while raises and benefits have been systematically taken away from us. We have gone on strikes, filed dozens of Unfair Labor Practice charges, defeated company-backed board candidates, and now we are boycotting. We will continue to stand up for better jobs for everyone at REI, no matter what union-busting tactic is thrown at us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cThe support we have received during our campaign has been remarkable,\u201d said Andy Trebing, a REI worker in Chicago<\/strong>. \u201cCo-op members want REI to do right by us and respect our union, that\u2019s why they\u2019re boycotting and helping us get the word out. Now, our managers are stressed about sales goals during the biggest sale of the year. This boycott makes it clear that when we stand together, we have power.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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\u201cREI is trying to silence workers and members who deserve a voice in this co-op,\u201d said Stephanie Miller, a 28-year REI Co-op member who police <\/strong>arrested<\/u><\/a><\/strong> during a sit-in at REI\u2019s Seattle flagship store<\/strong>. \u201cWe won\u2019t be silenced. Workers deserve a fair contract, now!\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Green vests at REI have faced four years of bad faith contract negotiations and a scorched-earth union-busting campaign. Below is a year-by-year summary since the campaign began:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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