REI Illegally Fired Union Organizer, Labor Board Judge Rules

Recreational Equipment Inc. workers at a Eugene, Ore., store will get a second chance at a union election after an NLRB judge ruled the outdoor equipment company illegally fired an organizer for participating in protected activities.

National Labor Relations Board Judge Eleanor Laws said in a Wednesday decision that an REI store manager used false pretext to terminate a organizer who was attempting to unionize workers ahead of a May 30, 2023 election. That election resulted with 20 votes in favor of union representation, 22 opposed, and 9 challenged ballots.

Bike shop employee Lindlee Hamlin was fired on May 11, ...