REI Co-op, UFCW, and RWDSU Continue Progress in Contract Negotiations

Oct 1, 2025

REI Co-op and a coalition of union locals from the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) met September 22-26 in Itasca, Illinois for the first bargaining session since establishing a national bargaining structure earlier this year. 

During the session, both parties continued discussions on key topics, reached tentative agreements and reinforced a shared commitment to reaching collective bargaining agreements for REI’s 11 unionized stores.  

The next bargaining session is scheduled for October 13 -16, 2025 in Chicago.  

REI union members are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 5, 663, 700, 1208, 1445, 3000, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Locals 379 and 1102.  

Since 2022, 11 REI stores have voted to unionize: SoHo, N.Y., Berkeley, Calif., Cleveland, Ohio, Chicago, Ill., Boston, Mass., Durham, N.C., Maple Grove, Minn., Bellingham, Wash., Castleton, Ind., Santa Cruz, Calif., and Greensboro, N.C. 

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.