REI fostered a progressive reputation. Then its workers began to unionize

REI fostered a progressive reputation. Then its workers began to unionize Enlarge this image toggle caption Spencer Platt/Getty Images Spencer Platt/Getty Images A position at REI was the first and only retail job Claire Chang says she ever considered taking. "I mean, we all started working at REI because of its values," says Chang, a visual presentation specialist who has been at the flagship store in New York's SoHo neighborhood for five years. Workers push for steady hours and financial stability REI leaders argue that negotiating with a union would hinder the company's ability to "resolve concerns at the speed the world is moving," as CEO Eric Artz said on a corporate podcast recorded last year before the first union victory. Sponsor Message For 2022, REI reported record sales of $3.9 billion, though overall it registered a loss, in part because of what the CEO called "the largest single-year investment" in employee pay and bonuses.