Congratulations to RWDSU Local 665 members who work for Aramark in the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan! These workers stood strong together and recently ratified a new three-year agreement.

Tonight, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced that workers at the REI Co-op in Greensboro, North Carolina voted to join the RWDSU, making REI Greensboro the eleventh unionized REI store in the country. REI Greensboro workers first began organizing in the wake of REI’s October 2023 round of layoffs, which cut the jobs of 275 of the most experienced workers, known as “leads,” from stores across the Co-op. In Greensboro, two of the most tenured lead retail sales specialists were laid off, beloved coworkers who were known to embody REI’s signature “Co-op Way.” Greensboro workers proudly unite with green vests organizing under the banner of the REI Union from coast to coast, fighting for fair pay, guaranteed hours, a clear path to full-time status, and transfer opportunities within the company. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a decision in OSHA Complaint No. 2240262, made by technicians in the REI SoHo bike and ski shop on December 5, 2024. All eight workers employed in the REI SoHo bike and ski shop have been out on a health and safety strike since December 4, 2024, after REI removed personal protective equipment previously supplied by the company from the bike and ski shop without providing any evidence to support their assertion that the work environment is safe to perform ski work in without respirators. OSHA has shockingly determined that the evidence provided by REI is sufficient and does not warrant further investigation by the agency. The RWDSU will be contesting this decision and joins with the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health (NYCOSH) in calling for a new air quality test to be performed by a qualified industrial hygienist testing for the three chemicals used during ski tune work – metal grip, emulsion, and low density polyethylene. 

“We are backing Ken because he understands that working people are the backbone of the Democratic Party. Without the support of working people, there is no Democratic Party. Ken Martin has stood on our picket lines, and understands the underlying issues that are crucial to people who struggle to make a living each day. He will commit to making our party the party for working people again. Ken Martin has our full support and votes for DNC Chair.”