(For REI Coop Members) I’m a coop member of REI, member #:

For all others: 

Dear Board of REI,

I’ve been reading press about Eric Artz, REI CEO and President acting to suppress the worker’s right to unionize and I’m deeply dismayed by this position. It goes against my values of fairness, and equity. The fact that workers would not be paid a livable wage is shameful. Beyond that, I’m learning that worker’s aren’t eligible for healthcare benefits until they’ve worked there for a year, and I find that equally horrific. I’m ashamed to learn this is how REI treats their workers. I’ve also learned that some workers are classified as part-time but are scheduled for 40 or more hours of work and are prevented from being eligible for health benefits. That’s sleazy REI.

Here is what I would expect REI to treat their employees. A livable wage that is above the minimum wage of every state in which they operate. Health benefits are offered from day one and even to part-time workers. That workers have the option to unionize. 

I would have expected much more from a coop. I will continue to express my dissatisfaction with the current leadership of Eric Artz and call for his immediate resignation.

We don’t need a PR campaign to clean up REI’s image. We need fairness, equity, and valuing the humanity and well-being of the employees.

Regards,