Unionized REI workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union held coordinated actions across eight states this past weekend in response to the retailer’s decision to “unilaterally restructure jobs and working conditions in all of its stores,” according to a news release from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

While Fresno does have an REI location, it was not one of eight store locations where unionized employees handed out informational flyers to customers over the weekend to highlight what the employees say is the retailer’s mistreatment of workers.

Workplace changes at REI have led to layoffs, reduced hours, demotions and other measures aimed at REI employees both unionized and non-unionized, according to the REI workers.

The eight REI stores that have successfully unionized are located in New York; Berkeley; Cleveland; Chicago; Boston; Durham, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota and Bellingham, Washington.

The unionized employees said REI failed to meet its legal responsibility to negotiate with the union before implementing the changes, resulting in an unfair labor practice charge filed Monday with the National Labor Relations Board.

REI is a member-owned cooperative, with lifetime memberships costing $30 for shoppers with benefits that a “member reward” that is typically 10% back annually on eligible purchases.

An REI spokesperson told ccxmedia.org the company is “engaged in good faith bargaining with stores that have chosen union representation and will continue to participate fully in the negotiating process.”