Fashion retailer Rei has been accused of violating labor laws at its unionized stores in the United States, according to a complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)..
The complaint, filed by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), alleges that Rei has engaged in a pattern of unfair labor practices, including:.
* **Interfering with employees’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.** Rei allegedly threatened employees who were trying to organize a union, illegally interrogated employees about their union activities, and discriminated against union supporters..
* **Refusing to bargain in good faith with the union.** Rei allegedly refused to provide the union with information necessary for bargaining, refused to meet with the union at reasonable times, and refused to make counterproposals to the union’s proposals..
* **Discharging and discriminating against union supporters.** Rei allegedly fired employees who were active in the union, and discriminated against union supporters in terms of job assignments, promotions, and benefits..
The RWDSU is seeking an order from the NLRB requiring Rei to cease and desist from these unfair labor practices, and to post notices informing employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)..
Rei has denied the allegations, and said that it is committed to complying with all applicable labor laws. The company said that it is working with the union to resolve the dispute..
The NLRB is an independent federal agency that enforces the NLRA. The agency investigates unfair labor practice complaints and issues orders requiring employers to cease and desist from unfair labor practices..
The NLRA protects the rights of employees to organize and bargain collectively with their employers. The law also prohibits employers from interfering with employees’ rights to organize and bargain collectively, from refusing to bargain in good faith with a union, and from discharging or discriminating against employees for engaging in union activities..
The RWDSU is a national union that represents over 100,000 workers in the retail, wholesale, and department store industries. The union is headquartered in Washington, D.C..
