More than 100 workers at REI’s San Diego location in Kearny Mesa are preparing to vote in a union election later this month to determine whether they will join UFCW Local 135.
The election, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), will take place on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28. Ballots will be counted following the close of voting, with results expected shortly afterward.
If workers vote yes, the San Diego store would become the third unionized REI location in California and the 12th in the nation. It would also become the largest unionized REI store in the country.
The workers, known as Green Vests, are organizing for fair pay, sustainable scheduling, stronger workplace protections, and a meaningful voice on the job. Their effort is part of a growing national movement of REI workers who have been standing together to improve working conditions at stores across the country.
Since 2022, workers at 11 REI stores nationwide have voted to unionize, including locations in California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, and other states.
UFCW Local 135 President Todd Walters said the upcoming election reflects the growing momentum of workers organizing throughout San Diego and beyond.
“These workers are standing together to demand respect, fairness, and a real voice in their workplace. What’s happening at REI is part of a larger movement of workers across San Diego and across the country who are organizing to improve their lives and strengthen protections on the job. We are proud to stand with the Green Vests at REI as they exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard.”
REI worker Juan Pablo Contreras said workers are organizing because they believe in the company’s mission and want to help shape its future.
“We started working for the co-op because we believe in its mission. Like many of my co-workers, I am passionate about the outdoors and sharing it with everyone. With our union, we hope to hold REI accountable to that mission.”
The upcoming vote marks an important milestone not only for REI workers, but for the growing labor movement in San Diego. As more workers organize and stand together, they continue raising standards and strengthening worker voice across industries throughout the region.