Workers at the Patagonia store in Reno, Nev., recently voted to join UFCW Local 711, becoming the first Patagonia store in the country to unionize.
These workers are joining a wave of outdoor industry professionals who have recently unionized with the UFCW and RWDSU. The UFCW has been steadily growing its representation of workers in the outdoor adventure space, having organized nine REI locations across the U.S. with the RWDSU and five Vertical Endeavors climbing gyms in Minnesota.
“America’s love of the outdoors deserves to be met with an appreciation for the workers who make our adventures possible,” said UFCW International Marc Perrone in a statement. “Whether in retail, rock climbing, or beyond, all workers deserve to have representation on the job.”
“We are excited to welcome Patagonia workers to the UFCW and look forward to reaching a strong union contract that reflects their hard work and experience,” Perrone added. “This is a great moment for those who work in the outdoor space and any worker who wants to make their workplace and life better.”
“My fellow co-workers and I are now standing together with the protections of union representation and about to negotiate a contract, all thanks to our union siblings over at REI whose progress inspired us to continue the hard work of unionizing this industry,” said Nick Helmreich, a retail team lead at the Reno Patagonia store. “We are ready to fight for a contract that protects our rights and provides the wages and benefits we’ve earned making Patagonia the success that it is in Reno.”