Employees at San Diego’s REI store have filed to unionize, REI Union announced Monday, with the aim of joining United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 135, the largest private-sector union in the region.
Workers voted to unionize in hopes of improving working conditions, scheduling practices and pay, along with keeping the co-op true to its original mission.
“We’re excited to join a national movement of REI workers standing up to save the heart of the co-op that is losing its way,” said Juan Pablo Contreras, a local REI worker, in a news release.
“Like many of my co-workers, I am passionate about the outdoors and sharing it with everyone. With our union, we hope to hold REI accountable to that mission.”
The Kearny Mesa store at 5556 Copley Drive generates the third-most revenue in the nation for the outdoor equipment retailer. If the unionization is successful, San Diego would be the largest REI store to unionize.
Employees at two other California REI stores, Santa Cruz and Berkeley, have become union members. With the local vote, the San Diego REI store could become the 12th in the chain to unionize since organizing efforts began in 2022. However, none have successfully negotiated a contract despite four years of collective bargaining.
REI Union has accused the retailer of union-busting activities and manipulating board elections. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleged that raises, promotions and benefits have been withheld at unionized stores.
The company responded to the NLRB complaint by saying it “has negotiated – and will continue to negotiate – in good faith with stores that have chosen union representation.” As to the allegation of withholding pay, officials said that negotiations were ongoing, “so no pay changes have been implemented – there’s nothing to ‘withhold.'”
Regarding San Diego’s unionization vote, a co-op spokesperson said the retailer would support the process of NLRB holding a confidential election for employees to choose union representation. “At the same time, we’re confident in what makes REI a great place to work,” the spokesperson said. “People choose REI for the substance of the experience here, which includes meaningful work, flexibility and a shared commitment to our co-op values.
“That foundation is strong and it continues to matter to many who choose to build and grow their careers at REI. Just as important, we’re always open to hearing about real concerns and continuing to engage in transparent dialogue. Leaders at every level are responsible for listening, making tough decisions, and staying accountable to our values.”
REI Union has announced a planned boycott of the anniversary sale, a Black Friday-level sales event, if the union stores don’t have a contract by May 1. The sale is set to begin May 16.
“Watching unionized green vests throughout the country mobilize for the working conditions they deserve, despite the company’s ruthless union-busting tactics, has made us, in San Diego, all the more determined to organize,” said Phen Green, another REI store worker. “We know there is strength in numbers. We are excited to join and expand this movement.”
Updated at 9:16 a.m. April 28 to include comments from REI addressing the San Diego vote.
