In a powerful show of people power, REI Co-op members rejected all three corporate-backed board candidates, delivering a major win for workers, consumers, and union supporters across the country.

This victory didn’t happen by chance, it was the result of relentless organizing by REI workers, UFCW Locals Across the Nation and our very own UFCW Local 5, who together mobilized over 115,000 members to take a stand for union values and democratic co-op governance.

REI workers urged co-op members to vote “withhold” after the board blocked two union-endorsed candidates, Tefere Gebre of Greenpeace USA and Shemona Moreno of 350 Seattle, from the ballot. Instead of staying silent, REI members across the nation responded with resolve, rejecting the company’s attempt to shut workers out of the boardroom.

This grassroots momentum surged following a powerful Bay Area community hearing on April 26, chaired by Congressmember Lateefah Simon, where union members, environmental allies, and co-op shoppers came together to hold REI accountable for straying from its stated values. The result? REI’s board slate was defeated outright. And the company can no longer ignore the call for justice and accountability.

This election wasn’t just about filling seats, it was about defending the soul of the co-op. It was about workers demanding a union contract, and members demanding a voice. It was about restoring REI’s founding values of community, democracy, and worker power.

The Alameda Labor Council is proud to stand with the REI workers from Berkeley to Bellingham—who are demanding what every worker deserves: dignity, respect, and a real seat at the table

Now, we’re calling on REI to respect the will of its membership and instate pro-climate and pro-labor candidates Tefere Gebre and Shemona Moreno to the board.

Thousands of Co-op members endorsed Shemona and Tefere before the ballot was announced, but REI refused to give us a chance to vote on their candidacies. These two leaders can help us return REI to its founding values and fix our flawed board.

Want to support Tefere and Shemona’s candidacy and let REI’s new CEO know how you feel about the direction of the Co-op? Write your letter here and we will send it to REI HQ for you!