Some Straightforward Facts About REI Co-op’s Union Negotiations

At REI Co-op, we believe deeply in our mission, in serving our members and customers, and in creating a rewarding work environment where employees can thrive.   

Across our 195 stores, 11 locations have chosen union representation. We take collective bargaining seriously and have approached contract negotiations with care, consistency, and respect for both the process and our employees’ choice. We have also worked with union representatives under a national bargaining structure intended to support clarity, efficiencies, and progress toward reaching 11 first contracts. 

In the interest of transparency, we’re sharing straightforward facts to help our community better understand what is happening in union negotiations, and to address a few common claims by the union. While it is true that we haven’t reached an agreement, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith. We are committed to respectful dialogue and doing the work at the table where it belongs. 

Claim #1: “REI walked away from negotiations.” 

Fact: REI is at the table continuing to negotiate with the union. 

REI never walked away from negotiations—in fact we've been engaged in negotiations since 2022. As part of establishing a national framework for negotiations, REI and the union have met regularly over the past several months to work toward 11 first contracts. As part of that process, REI presented its last, best, and final offer following extended discussions. While an agreement has not yet been reached, REI remains willing to bargain in good faith with the union to determine a constructive path forward. 

Claim #2: “REI put forward outlandish, bad faith proposals, including a non-disparagement agreement that would prevent workers from speaking publicly about working conditions and a mandatory charitable donation.” 

Fact: This claim misrepresents bargaining discussions by taking them out of context.  

As part of active negotiations, REI and the union have discussed a range of concepts that were explored, refined, or ultimately not pursued.  The non-disparagement concept referenced by the union focused on limiting organizational disparagement by the union – not restricting employees from sharing their views or speaking about working conditions.  REI has not proposed limiting employee speech.  The charitable donation concept originated with a proposal from the union and was later discussed as part of broader bargaining conversations.   

These discussions occurred in the context of active negotiations, with a last, best, and final offer on the table, and did not represent finalized or agreed-upon term.   
 

Claim #3: “REI does not respect workers’ rights and is engaging in union-busting.” 

Fact: REI respects every employee’s right to choose whether or not to be represented by a union and continues to participate in negotiations. 

REI has consistently recognized employees’ right to organize and has continued meeting with union representatives to work toward 11 first contracts. 

Differences at the bargaining table are a normal part of the process and do not signal bad faith. REI remains focused on making progress through ongoing discussions, with the goal of reaching an agreement that supports employees while sustaining the long-term health of the co‑op. 
 

Claim #4: “REI is sabotaging negotiations with its union workers” 

Fact: REI continues to meet with the union and work toward a first contract. 

REI and the union have spent years meeting regularly to discuss pay, benefits, and workplace policies. Both sides have proposed ideas and made progress on some topics, while remaining apart on others. 

Reaching an agreement takes time, particularly for 11 first contracts where complex issues are involved. REI has not walked away from bargaining and remains committed to negotiating in good faith at the table. 
 

Claim #5: “REI is illegally implementing drastic cuts to union workers’ benefits and wages” 

Fact: REI lawfully implemented certain economic terms of its Last, Best, and Final Offer (LBFO) after reaching impasse.   

After months of good faith bargaining, REI lawfully implemented certain economic terms of its Last, Best, and Final Offer (LBFO) after the parties reached impasse, as permitted under federal labor law. Those changes were implemented consistent with legal requirements and were not unlawful actions. 

Following implementation, the union and REI reached an agreement whereby the union agreed that REI bargained in good faith, and the union allowed REI to move forward with the implementation of the economic provisions, including the cuts. This allowed the parties to move forward and continue bargaining on remaining issues. The implemented terms remain in effect today. 

Claim #6: “REI is making it harder for workers to get healthcare” 

Fact: REI continues to offer above average pay and benefits to all employees, and we’re proud of that. 

REI regularly reviews its benefits programs to balance strong support for employees with long-term cost management.   Healthcare availability depends on eligibility, hours worked and plan design, and employees receive those details through established channels. 

REI is committed to making the co‑op a great place to work by offering flexibility in how employees schedule their time, access to generous gear and outdoor discounts, and opportunities to connect more deeply with the outdoors. 
 

Claim #7: “REI is promising to “accelerate AI” as one of its 6 priorities for 2026” 

Fact: REI is committed to responsible use of AI.   

Like many businesses today, REI is thoughtfully exploring how tools like AI can help us better serve members, operate our business, and support our employees. Our approach is deliberate and grounded in our values, not about replacing our Green Vests or other team members. 

Through that lens, we carefully consider potential impacts, including privacy and environmental factors, as we evaluate emerging technologies. Any use of these tools must align with the co‑op’s long-standing commitments and support our long-term goals. 
 

Claim #8: “REI is destroying Co-op democracy” 

Fact: REI is the nation’s largest consumer co‑op, with a community of more than 26 million members who remain core to our mission. 

Since 1938, our roots have been, and always will be, as a cooperative built to serve our members, who expect and trust us to deliver high-quality gear and outstanding service. 

At the center of our three-year strategic plan, Peak 28, is a focus on earning our place as the most trusted retailer for people who love the outdoors. We do that, in part, by listening to our members. That’s why we’ve conducted all member surveys to better understand what’s working, where we can improve, and what you want to see from REI. 

That input is shaping real decisions, from launching a new travel partnership with Intrepid Travel to bring back adventure experiences, to advancing a strong slate of board candidates, including Chuck Sams, a self-nominated member and former National Park Service director, who was recently elected to the board. 

For nearly nine decades, members have been at the core of our co-op, and that will never change.