Labor Caucus Calls on REI to Reach Fair Contract with Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Steven Horsford (NV-04), with Vice-Chair Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)and Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10), led a letter to REI Board of Directors Chair and CEO Chris Carr, urging them to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith with unionized workers in eleven stores.

“In our previous letter dated January 24, 2025, we urged REI to fulfill its obligations under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to negotiate a contract in good faith,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are concerned to hear from workers and constituents that more than a year later – and four years since the first union election – both parties appear no closer to reaching an agreement. The first contract offered by REI was voted down by 98.5% of participating voting union workers this past February, and the subsequent “last, best, and final offer” failed to bridge the divide between the parties, leading REI to declare an impasse.”

“Impending cuts to worker benefits and starting hourly wages as a result of the impasse come at a time when American workers are already struggling with rising costs and access to healthcare,” continued the lawmakers. “We also continue to hear concerns regarding previous company restructuring replacing experienced full-time employees with part-time and temporary employees. Lastly, we are troubled by reports that REI members are no longer able to attend annual member meetings, ask questions of the board, or nominate directors for consideration by the broader membership. We reiterate that REI should refrain from engaging in union busting tactics that are inconsistent with national policy encouraging collective bargaining and freedom of association under the NLRA.”

“Initial negotiations between both parties were productive and produced 25 tentative agreements. As such, we strongly encourage REI to re engage with these workers in good faith, in accordance with requirements under the NLRA, and reach a fair agreement that best serves all parties without further delay,” concluded the lawmakers.

The letter was signed by 43 House Democrats. A full copy of the letter can be found here.