REI Union rejects contract proposal as co-op elects new board members

Almost all of the unionized workers voted on Thursday to reject a proposed contract with the Issaquah-based outdoor retailer.

By: Nate Sanford

Outlets: KNKX

Published: February 6, 2026

Words: 480

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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After years of protracted back-and-forth, REI and its unionized employees are still far apart.

On Thursday, nearly 99% of unionized workers voted to reject a proposed contract with the Issaquah-based outdoor retailer. In a joint statement, REI and the union said they plan to go back to the bargaining table and “continue good-faith discussions” in mid-February.

Workers at 11 REI stores have voted to unionize since 2022, citing issues with pay, staffing and working conditions. …

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