A sales specialist at an REI store asked approaching customers to boycott the retailer’s biggest annual sale in support of unionized workers. Hundreds of unionized employees are urging the boycott through Memorial Day as contract negotiations have stretched for more than three years. REI says the tactic threatens jobs while the company tries to recover from recent financial losses and regain financial footing. REI also says it remains committed to bargaining in good faith. The company has not finalized agreements with workers at any of 11 unionized locations since 2022, and a 12th store in San Diego is scheduled to vote on joining next week. Some shoppers in North Berkeley entered the store after declining flyers offered by workers.
"“We want REI corporate and their attorneys to treat us respectfully and to bargain in good faith and help us ratify this contract that we've been fighting for now for three years,” said Inkelas, a Berkeley native who has also worked at REI in Boston."
"“Hundreds of unionized REI workers are urging customers to boycott the retailer's anniversary sale through Memorial Day as contract negotiations have stretched for more than three years, escalating pressure on the outdoor co-op to reach a deal while it works to recover from recent financial losses.”"
"“This is a disappointing move that targets the coop. It seems the union's focus is on harming the financial wellbeing of the business, instead of advancing negotiations,” REI said in a statement. “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.”"
"“The specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle, has not finalized an agreement with workers at any of the 11 locations that have unionized since 2022. REI has 195 stores across the U.S., employing about 14,000 people. Workers at a 12th store in San Diego are scheduled to vote on whether to join the union next week.”"
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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