REI union pushes boycott during anniversary sale

Catch up quick: Since 2022, 11 REI stores around the country have voted to unionize.

• Those stores are in Chicago; Boston; New York; Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Durham, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; and Bellingham, Washington.
• A 12th store recently filed to unionize in San Diego.

Yes, but: Demonstrations in support of the boycott are happening at non-union stores, too.

• In Seattle — home to one of two REI flagship stores nationwide — an REI member scaled a climbing wall and displayed a "Boycott REI" banner over the weekend, the union said.
• Union members have been distributing leaflets outside additional REI stores in Washington urging customers not to shop the sale, UFCW 3000 spokesperson Rich Smith told Axios.

Between the lines: The union says REI's latest proposal would restrict organizing activity at other stores and limit workers' public criticism of the company.

• The outdoor co-op, which was founded in Seattle, has more than 190 U.S. stores.

• The union says workers at the 11 unionized stores organized for better pay, scheduling and working conditions.

The other side: REI says the union has taken bargaining discussions out of context.

• In a written statement this month, the company called the boycott push "a disappointing move" that hurts the co-op "instead of advancing negotiations."
• REI also said it is "ready to continue bargaining."

What's next: The union is urging shoppers to boycott REI through May 25, the final day of the retailer's anniversary sale.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a response from REI.