REI SoHo Ski Shop Workers Win Agreement For Air Quality Testing

On January 26, 2025, REI SoHo ski shop workers returned to work after 54 days on strike. Workers walked out on December 4, 2024 after REI removed personal protective equipment (PPE) 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. After last week’s round of contract negotiations with the company, REI SoHo workers won an agreement putting them back to work, which allows workers to wear PPE again for their safety. Importantly, REI will perform air quality testing in the bike and ski shop no later than March 14, 2025. REI will also reinstate proper PPE maintenance training in what is known as the “REI SPARK” training. Thank you to all the New Yorkers who supported ski shop technicians while they were on strike; alongside the rest of the workers in REI Union SoHo, these RWDSU members continue the fight for a first union contract at REI. Read more about the strike in The Nation!