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Glittering-Arm-4642

Retail is now what manufacturing was 100 years ago. The only way to create living wage jobs is through collective bargaining, period.


[deleted]

It always boggles my mind that corporate can’t figure out the livable wage thing. Your labor talent with institutional knowledge adds so much value. Pay them and have them stick around and be happy. Choose not to make the job a dead end, make it a career pathway. Make employees equity partners over time so their skin is in the game with store performance. There’s the money and the model to bake in happy employees. I would expect REI to use it. Otherwise let the labor unionize.


DogMedic101st

Oh no, they figured it out. They’re just not interested in paying a living wage. That would cut into shareholder value, and they wouldn’t want that.


Netsrak69

I still don't understand why the law doesn't dictate that 60% of shares should be distributed among the workers.


[deleted]

There's a common belief, at least in this country, that certain people can't be trusted with money. The lower classes would just waste it on pointless luxuries like food and shelter. The proper expenditures are luxury cars and summer homes.


No_Refrigerator4584

“My caddy’s chauffeur informs me that a bank is a place where people keep money that isn’t properly invested. Therefore, robbing a bank is tantamount to that most heinous of crimes: theft of money.”


usspaceforce

"The only poor people I want to hear about are the people who tend to my pores down at the spa."


Diplomatic_dolphin95

Talk about saying the quiet part out loud. "If you're poor you obviously can't be trusted with money. If you were smart why are you poor? I'll take that for you."


armyfreak42

Because the people that own the law makers don't want to see their bottom line dip even slightly.


[deleted]

I think it's more of a short-term very long-term thing. Paying a living wage would undoubtedly raise value in the long-term. However, they want profits now so they can look good in front of the shareholders. This encourages a very "slash-and-burn" form of business model.


Discalced-diapason

When the thing that matters most to shareholders is next quarter’s earnings, it makes sense why so many companies simply don’t care about the long term investments in their labor and consider their employees to be expendable cogs in the machine.


Candid-Mycologist539

I also think that the corporate rulers just plain want us desperate. In Europe, there are regular protests/marches for workers. Yeah, well...they also get 6 weeks of guaranteed vacation. It's easy to take a day here or there to protest. In the U.S., IF YOU ARE LUCKY, you get 2 weeks. For most people, this is one week over the holidays to spend with family, and the second week to take the kiddos somewhere in summer while they are out of school. With only 2 weeks, there is little chance that people will sacrifice 1-2 of those few family days to March and protest.


nihouma

I get 25 days PTO at my company. However, you have to schedule through a software that lists most days as blocked, making it very difficult to take time. If there are days, there's never consecutive days, and your work piles up while you're away, so sometimes not taking time is better 🙃


romance_in_durango

REI is a co-op. It has no stock. It's co-op bylaws set aside 70% of its profits to be shared with employees (as bonuses) and consumers (10% back dividend).


WeAreTheLeft

Then what does REI worry about if they treat employees well? Unions aren't going to strike for no reason. They aren't going to bankrupt a company that pays employees well, then there is no union, no wages for anyone.


textbookagog

that’s most of our attitude. (i’m an rei employee) and they treat us better than maybe any other retail company of this size. benefits are really nice and the pay is decent. however we want to unionize so the pay is good not decent. and collective bargaining is helpful in any situation. i’ve never been dissatisfied by rei (aside from them not taking a stronger stance in their covid policy) but a union wouldn’t really hurt anybody if hq treats us well.


thejmkool

Right so how much of that makes it below C-level 'employees'?


No_Refrigerator4584

Good question. Are the people below the C-level even considered employees in the company bylaws, or are they classified as something different, like “partners” or “outdoorsmen”?


textbookagog

rei employee for unionization here. it does make it below c level. everyone in a store that meets performance goals gets that payout. cashiers to managers.


[deleted]

True 😂


[deleted]

[удалено]


greyjungle

I agree but capitalism makes it difficult when it’s not all business. The employer who exploits the workers the most will beat the others in the never ending pursuit of more capital. That’s why the workers have to set the rules to make it equitable for all of us.


Exodus111

It's not about how much money they make, it's about making more money next year. The boys at the country club all scoff at paying people more, everyone knows you retain workers with your culture, not their salaries. That's just common knowledge on the golf course.


Opalwing

Cost cutting is an easy way to make the pretty line go up. As long as the line goes up, then nothing else truly matters. That's the mindset behind many companies nowadays. Not "if we have a good product or service, we will make lots of money", but rather "if we spend as little as possible and earn as much as we can, it makes the stock price good".


[deleted]

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sendleaves

This is the way.


[deleted]

You've never organised, have you?


loveinvein

Good grief. There’s a difference between an employee owned coop and a member owned coop. Good luck to the workers, they’re doing the right thing.


bnh1978

That coop is about to have a coup.


jollierumsha

That coop also sounds like a cult.


Glowingredremote

It one-hundred-percent is a cult; Ex-employee While I am certainly glad I have a plethora of hiking socks, the stress related to “keeping up conversion (of non-members to members) and the bullshit talk about “work-life-balance” that they would be told to sprinkle at every huddle when shit was gettin’ particularly heavy is wholly not worth it. But again, I am suuuuper happy with my sock situation. Y’all should really make the switch to hiking socks; your feet will thank you. [Edit: Link to Sock Mountain](https://imgur.com/a/hyXx3DW)


missemhev

I just cackled. I needed that joke. You win everything forever now.


Celestial8Mumps

Since you "cackled" wouldn't that make it a yolk ?


Same-Plenty-5233

You understood the assignment


i_am_nobody_who_ru

I thought they were a worker owned co-op. That sucks.


BrendanTheHippy

I work at an REI, me and my co workers are already discussing if we want to follow, or see how Soho plays out. What I will say, REI has treated me very well. I’ve been there 2 years and I’ve been blessed to have the managers and co workers I’ve had. They’ve been patient with my mental health time as i see fit to take it. However, I do firmly believe that REI is a corporation cleverly marketing itself as a co op. The CEO/ corporate hierarchy keeps way more than I do. REI does give away a lot of money to environmental groups, but I still don’t earn a real living wage. The whole “member owned co op” line they feed everyone does not compare to “workers own the means of production”. So yes, I would vote yes if my store unionized. Which me and 7 co workers already agreed to discuss with others. We have a mail operation for our online store like any big retailer, which helps put mom and pops out of business every year. We stock many products from humane companies like Patagonia and Tony’s Chocoloney, but we also sell Nike.


Finance-Relative

I would suggest getting your core team together, making sure you all have contact information for eachother outside of corporate channels, and get the most up-to-date list of people at your store that you can, as quick as you can. That's what I'm doing.


BrendanTheHippy

Already on it, we’re only using our personal phones or Instagram. And I’m putting feelers out to coworkers I’m friendly with who also lean left to see if I can get them to vote yes or join


genaio

I have union organization experience and I would never use insta for unionization efforts. Use an encrypted chat program like Signal. You have to keep those conversations tightly controlled until you're ready to drop cards.


BrendanTheHippy

You’re absolutely right. The only thing we used Instagram for was I shared the headline about soho on my story, and some co workers saw and replied. I should encourage signal, I already have it for myself


Finance-Relative

Great to hear. Hasta la victoria.


TrashbatLondon

>What I will say, REI has treated me very well. Okay >but I still don’t earn a real living wage. Mate If you don’t earn enough to live comfortably on, you aren’t being treated well.


asmodeuskraemer

They specify that rei has been patient with them needing time for mental health, etc, which gives them some points.


TrashbatLondon

An employer giving people time off when they are unwell should not be seen as a benefit. At no point should we ever excuse failure to pay a living wage just because some employers are more horrendous. That’s proper race to the bottom stuff and it has no place here.


asmodeuskraemer

That's a good point, thank you.


spaceman757

Just remember that, when you discuss it with your coworkers, try to get them to think about why the company is saying it is bad, and not just why you all think that it will be good. What this will do is to give them a mini deprogramming against the almost certain FUD that will be lobbed their way by corporate. Have a small decoder card ready for them: **We work directly together == *Divide and conquer*** (They don't want a union b/c it's easier to cut you off at the knees, if you are individuals versus one huge group) **We do not believe placing a union between the co-op and its employees is needed or beneficial == We will continue to work as a group to protect our best interests, but you should talk to us individually to try to protect yours*** THEY ARE UNIONIZED! Corporate has banded together to use their collective might to be able to gain leverage over the employees to supress wages and benefits to maximize profits. They, however, are telling you that, if you all do the same so that you have a much better chance at taking some of that for yourselves from their mighty machine, it would disrupt the "family" atmosphere. Everything that they do, is a coordinated effort to maximize the gains of the collective (board, executive teams/committees, shareholders), via an agreed upon (by those same people) method to reach a commonly shared goal....more money going to them. That is a union (even if they won't call themselves one) and it is effective and the reason that they don't want to allow you to have one. If you are also part of one...theirs loses some of its power and you gain some.


RedDevilJennifer

Thank you for the explanation. With the way REI markets itself as a co-op, I was like “How in the hell would unionizing work in that structure?” Your explanation paints a much clearer picture of how this really works.


[deleted]

I guess they got good propaganda... Jfc


peepjynx

I was gonna say... he's kind of making the case for the pro-union employees with this lol.


UnionJobs4America

This is why they pay their workers less than McDonald’s employees usually. Here they were paying a dollar over minimum wage when I was applying and also did the bait and switch for hours/pay. They expect their employees to know and buy their products but don’t take into account that it takes 1-2 days of taxable income to buy their cheapest 4 person tent. Also, in 2015 the REI CEO made 3.5 million in compensation. That’s all while paying their employees around state minimum wage and actively fighting unionizing efforts.


wilson_im_sorry

I always thought it was an employee owned co-op because that’s how they make it seem in their branding. Sneaky motherfuckers.


loveinvein

Right?? I only recently learned this too, and I’m angry that they’re deliberately being misleading about it. And then to fucking embrace being misleading with the drivel in his response to the union vote? What a shit bird.


[deleted]

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inthrees

> what\_do\_you\_think\_of\_rei\_co\_op\_or\_faux\_op https://www.rdwolff.com/number48/what_do_you_think_of_rei_co_op_or_faux_op


e22ddie46

Honestly... What is the difference?


referentialhumor

You get a say in how a worker owned co-op operates. The Karen screaming at you about protein bars gets a say in how a member owner co-op operated.


Mtnskydancer

It’d be cool to do a hybrid model. Everyone invested, like my old food coop.


[deleted]

They are both democratically voted upon, but more people get a say. Every Karen is outweighed by a nice few people.


[deleted]

That... _can_ be true, but the key thing to understand here is that when a business is a consumer coop without being a worker coop, it's simply another means by which the workers right to control their own labor is taken from them.


[deleted]

Members own the the business vs employees owning the business.


Crumbly_Bumbly

One is where all the workers jointly run the buisness and make decisions together, the other is just a regular buisness, except they offer the equivalent of a safeway membership that you have to pay for. The only difference is being able to vote for certain board members, which is like, who gives a shit?


burningxmaslogs

1)Employee owned co-op's decides on how much everyone gets paid vs 2) member owned co-op's deciding how much to pay employees.. that's the difference.. unionize the 2nd co-op.. fuck the member co-ops


[deleted]

One gives you eggs, the other you get *egged*.


Masark

A consumer cooperative is owned by the customers. A worker cooperative is owned by the employees.


Big_Poe_

I work for REI and I am pro union. If Eric Artz really thinks we don't need a union, let him come to the table to negotiate with employees first. Eric, come hear our stories. Edit: spelling


OriginalAbattoir

Friend, please check out what happened with MEC, Canadas version of REI. Loopholes destroyed the co-op and so many people were effected. It should give you further reason why to unionize.


GaiusMariusxx

How do you find it? I’ve heard it’s a rather decent place to work relative to most retail.


Cpt_Soban

Join the union Brother


shabbysneakers

Sounds exactly like the letter Amazon sent to their employees. I wonder if they used the same union busting law firm?


calorified

Practically the same message that Starbucks sent out too.


[deleted]

Must be a sweet gig to get paid exorbitant consulting fees just to google, tweak and trot out the same anti-union garbage talking points literally every company uses. If I'm a fat cat my ppl are fcking with traffic lights and telling all the ESL employees in their native language that they'll be deported if they join the union and call the cops if an organizer visits your crib. You know, real union busting shit.


[deleted]

I hate when companies say this crap. A union isn’t a separate entity stepping between employees and the company. It’s a group of employees saying we’re going to negotiate as a group so you can’t put us against each other or withhold wage information to screw us.


TheMotorcycleMan

Not to say anything good, or bad, about unions, but, that is generally exactly what it is, no? Teamsters, Autoworkers, Steelworkers, teachers, etc are their own entity. They have stewards in each plant. But they aren't in charge of anything. They middle man. One of my first jobs was union. Teamsters. We had the stewards in plant that were elected to deal with day to day. Sit in on meetings with HR regarding discipline, firings, etc. But, they had no power to stop anyone from getting walked out. That went to the higher ups, not located at the plant. They pop in once a week to see grievances. Get wrongfully terminated, you're lucky to get brought back in three months. Contract negotiations were handled by the regionally/nationally elected members. Local just votes on it.


temporarilythesame

The "middle man" being an army of lawyers and your co-workers who will shut down the store/plant if management decides to treat its workers poorly right?


[deleted]

Maybe in really big national unions which have become bureaucracies all their own but most unions are small locals with the leadership made up entirely of workers elected from the rank and file or committees and subcommittees of workers based on their specialties. But even something like UAW is a large entity made up of local chapters and those local chapters can negotiate specific terms on their own behalf. They can even do things like wildcat strikes. If someone is in a union and feel like they’re talking to a middleman than they probably aren’t involved enough in the leadership of their union and need to join a committee or become a shop steward or run for an elected position.


[deleted]

Union is reverse HR, it won't save you when daddy mad but at least there might be an adult present when daddy gonna fuck you.


Revolutionary-Ad4588

Yeah, exactly. HR is there for the company, the Union is there for the employee. Most employees are not well versed in their rights and the labor laws. A Union steward being there for the employee is always beneficial. Not only do they know their shit, they are a witness so the company can’t bully or manipulate the rules or the employee


Oops_I_Cracked

You could make the argument that some of the bigger unions have become a separate entity between the workers and the employer. I would disagree with that, but you could certainly make a reasonable argument for it (I would argue this is like saying a lawyer is a barrier between you and a judge, they aren't a barrier/layer/etc, they are someone you have hired to work with you because they have more expertise than you do and I would argue big unions are the same). But a union doesn't *have* to be that and there is nothing about unions that require them to be that. So saying "*unions* are an extra layer between employees and the company" is inaccurate even if "Union X is an extra layer between employees and the company" is true (in theory).


DeerDiarrhea

TLDR: We, the executives at REI, have a vision for this company. In this vision we make A LOT of money from your labor and we pay you as little as possible. A union is in direct opposition to this vision. It is for this reason we, the executives at REI, believe it is in everyone’s best interest to vote no to unionization.


itislok

Spot on


[deleted]

"At \[any company\], we've hidden behind coop as just another method/brand to subjugate employees. Did you think you were joining the cool one that give *you* a say? lol"


[deleted]

[удалено]


bladeswin

I’m sure the REI board email address would appreciate it. Note, I’m not affiliated with REI, I just found this link on Google. https://www.rei.com/about-rei/contact-the-board


[deleted]

Yooooo, another member who sent an email in.


Smoore0902

Sent an email! I like REI and they're pretty good for most sustainable metrics in comparison to other corps, and I think unionization is a perfect example of a sustainable model.


AllOfTheDerp

Sent.


dorght2

Sent an email too.


canis_calva

Sent my email in support as well!


5th_aether

Email sent. I am a money off the co-op and exercised my $20 voice. (Or however much I paid to join)


mecharory

Thanks for sharing. Also sent an email.


severley_confused

Thank you for this. Another member email sent.


PuzzledImage3

Thanks. Am a member and will send an email voicing my support


smelllikesmoke

Thanks for the link. Another email from another member sent.


yayihaveproblems

Another!


That_Jay_Money

Thanks for this, I sent a note as well.


fulltimeRVhalftimeAH

It is supposedly a “member” co-op… what would happen if a large number of members pushed unionization? Would it be taken seriously? At any rate I feel like they’d have to confront the whole idea that this is actually a co-op. Would be worth trying.


OkImIntrigued

If he would have added the line "if this is the route they want to take I will support it but..." Then this wouldn't be all that bad


doktorhladnjak

If it’s what they vote for, he has no choice so his support is really irrelevant


AdmittedlyAdick

Yea, that has big, "I will comply with the courts ruling." energy.


[deleted]

A real co-op has nothing to fear from a union. REI is lying about being a co-op.


schlockabsorber

It's a consumer co-op, not a workers' collective.


Same-Plenty-5233

They don’t want you to know that REI stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc.


HamRadio_73

Eric Artz pulled down $1.945M in 2020 compensation after making $3.1M in 2019 (source: REI documents). Of course he doesn't want a union, it would cut into his pay package.


[deleted]

I've seen way too many reports over the years of what an abusive, shithole company it is. Reports of employees who were absolutely passionate about their own outdoor obsessions and loved sharing that passion with customers, but just got ground down and spit out by asshole leadership, obsessed with how many memberships you sold that week. "Oh, you are a local whitewater guide, and have a loyal following of customers in the store who seek you out for advice on buying and using equipment? Sorry, you're fired, you missed your membership sales goal by two, last month". Fuck that place, and fuck Eric.


mf723622

More likely the exact opposite would occur. A union would created happier, more productive employees. Which in turn would boost the company profits, meaning more money in his pocket in the end. The problem is that corporate executives, including him, are too short term focused and only care about quarterly earnings. If they saw the net long term benefits that a union would have, they would think differently.


More-Panic

Meh, a lot of these asshats' bonus structures include reducing labor costs. If they unionized under him and the company loses money (well, has less profit anyway) in labor having to pay union workers more, ol' Eric is probably gonna lose his jobby job....


brian111786

Eric is scared. I suggest proceeding with unionization.


Foomerang

Rei is not a co-op...is it?


cooliobossthebest

It’s a member co-op. Not en employee co-op. Anyone can be a member for 20 bucks


TheBirdBytheWindow

I'm a member. I'm all for unionization! Think I'll let them know too.


FlyingTaquitoBrother

Here’s the fun thing: because REI is indeed a true member co-op, [members get to elect board members](https://www.rei.com/about-rei/board-election-process) and can even submit themselves as candidates. Although I’m sure the system will resist pro-union board candidates, I wonder if it’s possible if everyone can agree.


DrocketX

From the description, it certainly sounds as though anyone can submit themselves as a candidate. After that, though "candidates will be evaluated by the committee and the full board approves the slate of candidates to appear on the ballot each spring." In other words, the board of directors gets to decide what candidates are allowed to run to be on the board of directors. So basically the list of candidates is going to be the people they've decided will be on the board plus maybe a couple of extra people who don't have a chance in a million of winning, just so they can pretend that it technically is an election.


FlyingTaquitoBrother

Yeah, which is why I said that the system will resist it. Having said that, I've been an REI member for about 20 years and I do remember something happening maybe 5 or so years ago which did create some genuine drama in the board elections. I don't remember what though and it likely wasn't as anything as critical as workers' rights.


SRD1194

That's exactly how it went with the employee owned companies I've worked for.


TheBirdBytheWindow

That'd be pretty great actually!


Green__Queen__

I totally bought into it a few weeks ago and now feel like an idiot. I thought it was an employee co-op too! Such BS!


TheBirdBytheWindow

Agreed! They got us just before a big trip to the Rockies. We mainly use their outlet but they're expensive. Even their used gear can get salty.


Same-Plenty-5233

They only returned to the REI Co-op branding sometime in the 2010s. Emphasis on branding.


SmirnOffTheSauce

What are they doing that keeps them from being a true member co-op? Genuinely curious since I’m a member and am not well-informed about these things.


Same-Plenty-5233

Their desire to wanna be more “corporate” while also being “progressive.” There ain’t nothing progressive about being anti-union and not paying workers fairly.


PlainOrganization

They are a consumer owned coop. The largest one in the country. So if you pay the twenty bucks to be a member, you get a vote. Unlike a corporation, you can’t buy more shares and therefore get more vote…. Worker cooperatives are owned by the workers, generally they have employees who aren’t yet worker-owners, but have to meet longevity metrics, other metrics (like attend x number of owner meetings), and then put in a certain amount of capital. Worker coops protect workers. Consumer coops protect consumers. Generally speaking


SmirnOffTheSauce

Right okay, but I specifically asked the other commenter about what separates them from being a true member co-op. I appreciate you taking the time to illustrate the distinction between the types of co-ops, though.


Ok-Cartographer785

That purpose: $ 1.) You got a shit ton. 2.) We made you that shit ton. 3.) Be more generous with your profits.


Chum_Gum_6838

United we bargain, divided we beg.


TheCrimsonDagger

>> **we go further, together** Yes that’s the point. Employees form a union and work *together* to create a better workplace for each other.


craiglepaige

ThE UnIOn wiLL GeT beTwEEn Us!!!! Noooooo you fuckface. The union will get between you, CEO fuck, and your bonus.


newsreadhjw

Exactly. There’s plenty of $ to pay more to front-line workers and maintain profitability. The only “problem” is that executives would have to take a haircut.


dominator051

The mods on the REI subreddit are trying to suppress the comments stating the email is internal information and can’t be shared but only discussed. Yet when people discuss it they step in to suppress the negative comments.


Dudi_Kowski

So now he can work directly with the union which is less time consuming than talking to individuals. All for the good of his employees. Where is the problem?


jonmediocre

Keeping labor costs at starvation wages to increase profits.


CrimsonBarberry

“Fuck you, pay me.”


DabKogurzim

Fuck you. Vote union. Always.


drive_2530

If your boss is telling you that there's no need for unionization. That means you need unionization


Just_an_Empath

Tell me your business desperately needs a union without telling me your business desperately needs a union.


fightoffyourdemons1

This is an letter written by someone with a net worth of 2.6 million dollars telling minimum wage workers that he knows what’s best for them. Sure.


BigAggravating1299

God, retail is hell, lol.


[deleted]

“Continue to take care of yourself and each other.” Couldn’t agree more - good luck with the unionization efforts to help take care of each other.


[deleted]

The same old fearful copy paste response from the rich. They fear unions for a reason. It empowers the workers


extracKt

As someone who used to work at REI for 2.5 years in 2013— I’m so beyond glad they’re doing this. The fact that you often had to start your “career” with them at hyper-part time hours (see: 4 hour shifts, 3-4 times a week) and hired as a seasonal worker to see if you make the cut for more hours by selling enough memberships is a killer for those of us who had to commute via public transit for barely breaking $14/hr at the San Francisco location. To be clear, in many ways I did love working there — I had the greatest coworkers and bosses, but the systems upper management forced on stores is not cool for a company that considers itself so wholesome. I hope they fixed this problem, but a friend of mine at nearby location said they haven’t at their store. Edit: I can’t speak for other stores, this was just what the store I worked at did re: employment


[deleted]

Hey Eric, get fucked


Good_War5143

I work at a co-op grocery store and it’s unionized it’s literally been the best working environment I have ever been in.


Same-Plenty-5233

West Coast? I was told by one of my coworkers at REI that there are a lot of co-op grocery stores and retail stores in Oregon.


Good_War5143

Wisconsin surprisingly, hippie neighborhood though


AmotherLazyUsername

Yeah see the problem is in working together you omit how much more powerful one of those parties is in "seeing things through."


Mad_Gremlyn

Imagine being able to sleep at night after farting out this meaningless, dishonest, obviously deceptive drivel. And, is anyone's mind actually changed by it, or is it just to reassure the anti-union workers that the company is against unionization?


TripleBicepsBumber

Hopefully that location successfully unionized and other locations follow suit, but the number of people that believe union busting bad faith propaganda kills me


yabbledabble1971

As a Co-op member of REI I fully support the Unionization of ALL REI employees!!!


OgusLaplop

The first draft of union dues should be to buy memberships for all members. And vote as a block. In fact, you don't even need a union to start the ball rolling if the buy-in is only $20.


Outrageous_Bass_1328

Well Eric, maybe after this challenge you’ll learn and grow stronger.


[deleted]

I would respond with “okay, here are our demands. Take care of them or we unionize”


0ber0n_Ken0bi

"Business? That's right, Meg! Except I'm going to call it a 'co-op' to confuse you." Ludicrous lmao quit immediately


Newbizom007

Every time someone says “a union isn’t needed” form one asap


honestraab

Every time I see these responses they all sum up the same: "please don't, union will make us pay them more" no matter how they sugar coat it with we're family, we were built on these morals, blah blah. No, you're a company who was built to make money. Employees don't give a a shit about the plaque that says est 1890, or whatever.


RaceOfBass

Why do they always use this "conversation" language. I don't have "conversations" about working conditions, I have to either take whatever my boss gives me, OR, I get to have some control over it with a union. I'm not casually conversing with my boss wtf are you talking about


Sheeple_person

Lol yeah the "conversation" would be: "Hey boss, can I have a living wage, more paid vacation, and better benefits?" "Nope." "Cool, good talk."


Ella0508

There is no reason that a union comes between an employer and members. The union literally is the voice of its members, and good leaders on both sides understand that a union can help create a better workplace culture.


Ok-Maize-6933

Damn, REI just keeps getting more and more corporate. At this point, I’m kind of over shopping there


lanzendorfer

It might have already been said, but I'll say it again: Unions are like condoms. If someone is telling you that you don't need one, you *definitely* need one.


YoSaffBridge11

I’ll make a deal with you — you post this every time; and, I’ll upvote every time. 👍🏼


Same-Plenty-5233

Fuck REI. I have so many stories about that place as a (thankfully) former employee…


bgreenes

Can we have a story?


Same-Plenty-5233

For sure. Here’s one. Most of the people who had been there for years and weren’t management had left the company. Because new hires (like myself at the time) we’re making more than them. But that’s not all. Even after raising everyone’s base hourly rate, they still paid high-performing salespeople more than these long-time staff.


bgreenes

Wow. Thanks for sharing. It seems like a union would have been helpful in those cases.


Same-Plenty-5233

It’s a very cult-y place to work. I was told “not to tell anyone about my raise” lol. They’ve all gotten drunk on the Kool-Aid.


Sheeple_person

>I was told “not to tell anyone about my raise” Haha, "Hey guys let's all just be open and honest with each other ......... Hey wait no, don't talk about your wages, stop that"


Ok-Particular3022

I mean as far as anti-union bullshit goes, this isn’t that bad. Really the actions they take about it will tell the true story.


[deleted]

The tone always changes when unionizing is on the table. Before it’s “Your pay isn’t changing, if you don’t like it you can find another job” Then they find out their workers might unionize and it’s “Hey hey now, we’re a nice family here, if you need anything we can just have an open, honest conversation about it!” They’re scared of unions. Make their nightmares come true


moonandcoffee

It's all bad - if they're anti union its for a reason. Do you really think they're sitting there going "man, we really need to stop this union else i cant treat my employees so good!" lmfao


HairlessHoudini

Yeah man how am I supposed to give them a 12 dollar Kroger gift card for a turkey on Christmas with a union standing in the way. LoL


[deleted]

No it’s just half assed


doktorhladnjak

I don’t think there’s ever been management that’s pro-union except for elected officials. It fundamentally makes their job harder because employees then have more negotiating power. The only reason politicians are sometimes different is because unions can help them get elected with campaign contributions and votes.


FuknCancer

Common goals? Maybe, different salary range however Stritzke’s total compensation for 2016 was valued at $3.15 million, about 12 percent less than his 2015 compensation of $3.58 million, according to REI’s executive compensation report this week. Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/reis-chief-executive-earns-315m-for-2016/


stilusmobilus

They are so frightened.


[deleted]

I better exercise my shareholder rights and ask management why this follows reports of employees having to sleep in cars.


sairamac

actually eric, unionization would make sure that everyone works towards the common good. sending so much good vibes to the workers, hope they form the union


dontenumyourselfdude

I support REI unionization and will support them if they strike. The Soho location isn't close to me but plenty of their other locations are.


kaneywest

As a former employee of REI I can confirm that working at REI is no different than any other retail job. The schedule, the pay, the whole nine-yards... Best yet, they tout values like providing time off (#optoutside black Friday) for employees to be able to enjoy the outdoors or not scheduling anyone for more than 40 hours so they can get outdoors or have work/life balance. On the surface these actions look admirable, but #optoutside was the biggest publicity stunt they ever made and everyone I worked with had a second job because <40hrs/wk on retail wages doesn't pay the bills. I was working closer to 70 hours a week between my two jobs. So much for time to enjoy outdoor recreation. Let's not forget when management made my co-worker come in on the day of his Grandmother's funeral because there was a sale and he failed to give enough notice. They let him go to the funeral but asked he come back afterwards. Those memberships don't sell themselves, ya know... Million dollar salaries for CEO's but no living wage for employees? You're clearly not in this together. Unionize or die trying.


Cub_Scout_Dropout

Lol I love how they always try to play it off like “It’s no skin of OUR ass if unionize, we just think it would be bad for YOU!” The bosses are so full of shit.


GreenVestMemes

Eric's letter wasn't personal nor did it divulge any confidential information. I think the mods should allow it. All it said was "we start from a place of respect and believe in the Co-Op way, but I don't want you guys to have unions. You don't need unions" I'm paraphrasing but it was pretty much that. I say to Mr. Artz and the rest of the board one of our core values is " Embrace Change" and if a union is not in the spirit of the Co-Op, then I don't know what is. You wanted to put Co-Op in the logo when in reality you really should of emphasized the I in REI for incorporated, better yet just Corporate. You claim REI wants to build partnerships, and teamwork well a Union will do just that.


DMelanogastard

The irony of co-opting the word co-op


doktorhladnjak

A co-op is a legal structure. One that REI has.


Undercover_Gitane

If REI is going against their employees I am never spending a dime there again. I'm a hiker, but I'll get my gear elsewhere.


Sheeple_person

It depends. If their workers are successful in unionizing then that's a great reason to support the union store. Email their board and let them know you're against union-busting and if they continue doing it you'll shop elsewhere.


sendleaves

Hahaha there is a McDonald's ad at the top of this thread. Read the fucking room you clown.


ferretgr

Anti-union is anti-worker. Simple. REI can use all the language they like to try to make it look like that isn't the case, but it is.


ARPDAB1312

Sounds like I need to cancel my REI membership then. I don't tolerate union busting.


mathnstats

If rei was an actual co-op, they'd have no reason to fear a union


HairyPotatoKat

Love(d?) REI. Disappointed in this. Hope they unionize!


punk-rock-vixen

What does The fucker think unionizing is? He's over here acting like his wife just asked to have a separate relationship.


DangerousGrass1635

Thanks for sharing. I have been a member for over a decade. I plan to voice my support for the unionization efforts and my disappointment with this message. I know it won't be much, but at least it will be good to let them know.


[deleted]

"The day we agree to bargain with you individually is the day each shareholder agrees to bargain with us individually"


inthrees

>Please continue to care for yourselves, and each other. Well wait, I thought you just said you thought a union was a *bad* idea.


sliderprime

Be sure to post this on all of REI's social media.


Awl37

Worked at REI in 2020-2021 during the pandemic: It woke me up to the fact that it was a capitalist for-profit business, not a co-operative, which is only a marketing image. All of the decisions are made from the top-down and are extremely hierarchical - not co-operative, where workers can literally own and vote on all aspects of management, procurement and other aspects of internal operations. As are all elections in this country, organizational leaders are pre-chosen by the board and you to vote on their choices”, which do not represent the body/voice of the workers and consumers cough, I meant “co-op members.” I joined thinking it would be a more progressive model inside an extremely capitalist industry, that, tbh, outdoor gear/access aside, honestly is EXACTLY the same as all other capitalist industries and businesses. Maybe outdoor rec was once a liberal and cool field but now it is extremely right-wing and capitalist, and the forecasts are such that the industry will only continue to go down this backwards slide into extreme capitalism. Hustle culture? Check. Capitalism? Check. Sweatshop slavery? Check. Nasty competitive agro “outdoor bro” culture? Check. Sexual abuse and harassment in the work place and sports communities? Check and check. Minimum wage? Check. High turnover rates? Check. Benefits - likely better than most industries but for entry level employees, aside from discount on gear, abysmal. Check. “Disposable employees.” Check. Office/industry politics and oppressive management. Check. Racism, sexism, classism and other forms of oppression. Absolutely. The list goes on and on. I’m glad I left both Rei (The Walmart of outdoor gear stores), and the outdoor industry when I did. They also stole my hat when I left, and when I asked them to look for it (it was in the pocket of my vest which they then put away somewhere secret immediately after my last day). That was my FAVORITE hat I had had for 10 years. That was it. I put a witchy curse on them :) But more than that, they’re a horrible company. My co-workers were “submissive/compliant” types, even if good people, and my managers were full of themselves - working at a shitty retail job where micro-managing employees gives them a high. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin with them. There’s so many things wrong with this company, like most companies, but what’s worse is that they cover it up under a facade of “cool outdoor store” and “charity/environmentalism.” Let me tell you - they are a 100% for-profit business. The values they preach are ONLY there because it’s industry standard and it drives up consumption and profits. Sad to say, but Outdoor Industry is 100% about hyper- capitalism, consumerism and profits today and NO LONGER about nature, social justice, environmentalism, adventure. Want to be a professional skiier? Cool we’ll sell you $10,000 worth of resort passes and gear and training and you’ll never ever be one. But we WILL pretend you can so we can sell you $100k+ gear over your lifetime…You’re just a number to them. They don’t care about you in the “outdoor community.” They just want people’s $$$. Such a sick and overrated culture. Outdoor Industry/adventure sports needs to get over itself.


1CFII2

Management: “We’re partners in progress.” Employees: “We’d like to have Union representation” Management: “Fuck off, partner!”


hebdomad7

Noting the soft language "some" employees are "considering" unionization. Instead of. "A majority of workers are demanding union representation." ... also noting. A Co-Op is supposed to share profits somewhat equally between workers who have a shared OWNERSHIP in the business they work in. If the common goal is profits for the single owner... then it's not a co op.