Mark Gruenberg at People’s World reports that in Bellingham, Washington, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers (RWDSU) - which represents REI Retail Outdoor Equipment Chain Employees, have asked REI’s 70,000 Co-Op Members and other consumers to vote with their feet and stay away from its stores. The boycott began on May Day after management failed to reach an agreement with the Union by a deadline set by the RWDSU. The Workers now plan to Strike from May 15th through the 25th against the chain, which likes to advertise itself as Pro-Worker and ecologically friendly. Those dates coincide with REI’s big anniversary sale. Meanwhile, Workers employed at REI’s big San Diego Store have filed for a Union Recognition Election. Key issues for the 119 Workers are staffing, working hours, low pay and questionable working conditions. If they win, they’d be REI’s 12th Store to Unionize, but with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135, San Diego media reported, rather than the RWDSU, a semi-independent UFCW Sector. RWDSU has organized REI’s flagship SoHo Store in New York City and 10 others. The flurry of moves involving REI marks yet another instance of low-paid Retail Workers finally being fed up with low pay - especially in expensive Cities like New York, Chicago and San Diego, and unfavorable working conditions.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: REI workers launch consumer boycott of chain – People's World

Snapshot Courtesy Of UFCW Local 3000’s Facebook Page.