05/17/2026
Enough Is Enough!
I was honored to be asked to speak and stand with REI workers at their rally today. As a candidate for State Representative in Ohio House District 18, where REI is located in the City of Orange, I proudly stand in solidarity with my union sisters and brothers who have gone four long years without a contract.
There should never be hesitation when it comes to supporting working people who are fighting for fairness, dignity, respect, and a voice on the job. Today, I stand with REI workers as they continue their fight for the fair contract they deserve.
These workers helped build REI. Their knowledge, passion, dedication, and commitment to the outdoor community are the foundation of this company’s success. For years, union workers have bargained in good faith, made compromises, and remained committed to reaching an agreement. Yet REI leadership has chosen to walk away from the bargaining table. Shame on you!
That decision does not reflect the values REI publicly claims to uphold.
REI presents itself as a co-op built on community, fairness, and shared values. But those values mean nothing if workers are denied fair wages, strong benefits, job security, and a real voice in the workplace.
I am calling on REI leadership to stop union busting, return to the bargaining table in good faith, and deliver the fair contract these workers have earned. Refusing to reach an agreement after four years of negotiations is ridiculous and not leadership! It's a failure to respect the very workers who built their company.
Throughout this administration, we have seen too many corporations feel emboldened to violate workers’ rights and silence workers’ voices. REI has an opportunity to be different, but right now they are falling short.
The time to act is now.
I am asking elected officials, labor leaders, community members, and allies to stand with these workers by recording a short video or sending a letter of support urging REI to negotiate fairly and in good faith.
Our call to action is simple:
Record a brief video (15–45 seconds) urging REI to reach a fair contract.
Post the video on social media and tag .
Speaking up for workers who deserve respect and justice on the job. We are watching, and we expect better.
REI can still choose to do the right thing to move the path forward. That path begins with respecting workers, honoring the bargaining process, and agreeing to a fair contract that doesn't take four years.
As an elected labor leader and candidate for Ohio House District 18, I firmly believe that an injury to one is an injury to all. When workers are denied fairness, dignity and respect the entire community is affected.
Solidarity is more than a word it is action. It means showing up, standing up, and speaking up for one another. Because we are all in this together! Ohio AFL-CIO
