Despite the compounding complaints from the union — alleged union busting, dismissing union-endorsed board candidates, dragging out contract negotiations — members were “shocked to see REI endorse someone who has close ties to the oil and gas industry,” said Sean Embly, director of organizing for major Washington union UFCW 3000.

Outdoor retailer REI announced it was retracting its endorsement of Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum after his first two months on the job. REI was one of many companies that signed onto a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in January encouraging the senators to confirm Burgum to the