Sean Barnes, an employee at an REI store in Austin, Texas, noticed a shift in management’s attitude towards tardiness after workers began discussing forming a union. Previously, being late to work was not a major issue, but now employees were being placed on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for minor infractions. These PIPs are formal reprimands that could lead to termination if the behavior doesn’t change. Barnes, a union supporter, believes that the increase in discipline is targeted at union backers, as many employees are now facing consequences for minor slip-ups that weren’t previously an issue. Other workers at REI stores across the country have reported similar experiences, with an increase in disciplinary actions coinciding with union organizing efforts.
Employees at the REI store in SoHo, New York, which was the first to unionize in 2022, have also noticed a significant increase in disciplinary actions. Minor mistakes or misunderstandings are now being documented and could lead to coaching or being placed on a PIP. In Austin, at least eight employees have been put on improvement plans in recent months, with some being terminated or resigning. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), one of the unions organizing REI stores, has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that the PIPs at the Austin store are aimed at union sympathizers. The union also raised concerns about a culture of sexual harassment at the store, claiming that management failed to address previous complaints.
REI denies that it is targeting union supporters with PIPs or discipline, stating that their approach to performance management is consistent across all stores and not influenced by union activities. The company emphasizes that PIPs are a standard management tool to help employees meet their performance goals. However, workers believe that REI is using PIPs to push out union backers and prevent unionization at their stores. The NLRB will need to investigate the union’s claims to determine if the punishment for punctuality violations during a union campaign violates labor laws.
Employees like Josh in Austin believe that management is ramping up disciplinary actions to intimidate workers and discourage unionization efforts. During union campaigns, workers often feel singled out for punishment, with nearly 30% of union elections involving charges of wrongful termination or discipline. Some employees have resigned from REI after being placed on improvement plans, seeing it as a sign that management wants them gone. The increase in discipline may be a tactic to prevent unionization efforts or push out union supporters from the company.
The increase in disciplinary actions at REI stores coincides with union organizing efforts and negotiations with labor unions. Workers believe that management is using PIPs and other disciplinary measures to deter employees from supporting unions and to prevent unionization at their stores. Employees report feeling targeted and under increased scrutiny for minor infractions, leading to concerns about job security and fairness in the workplace. The NLRB will need to investigate the allegations of unfair labor practices to determine if REI’s actions violate labor laws and employee rights.
