Castleton REI Workers Join National Movement to Demand Management Bargain in Good Faith
INDIANAPOLIS – Thursday, UFCW Local 700 which represents 12,000 workers in retail, grocery and other essential industries across Indiana, announced that unionized REI workers at the Castleton location in Indianapolis would rally in front of the store on Sat. May 25 from 12 to 3 p.m. to demand REI management bargain in good faith.
This rally is part of a larger national coordinated series of actions during the REI’s annual “A Sale,” an anniversary sales event intended to celebrate the company’s founding and “what it means to be a co-op.” Workers from all 10 unionized REI stores nationwide are taking action, calling on management to stop abandoning the founders’ progressive values and negotiate in good faith.
UFCW Local 700 President Tracy Bartak said the May 25 rally is a sign of growing frustration with REI management’s abandonment of the founding principles of REI Co-Op.
“REI Co-Op was founded to promote a love of the outdoors, not union-busting,” said Bartak. “The workers at REI want the same thing everyone else wants – a fair shake and a chance at the American dream. Unfortunately, REI has already indicated it plans to break federal law and withhold raises and bonuses from these workers next year. We at UFCW 700 are proud to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters across the nation and we will not rest until we win a fair contract for REI workers.”
The rally will take place in the REI parking lot at 8490 Castleton Corner Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46250 and feature speeches from workers, union leaders and elected officials such as Sen. Fady Qaddoura, Rep. Carey Hamilton and Indianapolis City Councilor Nick Roberts.