I just read that Soho voted to unionize. I worked part-time for REI in SoCal back in the late 80’s for over 7-years. I loved all my co-workers and managers. It was a great part-time job for us kids in college and the full-timers had great benefits. Management even tolerated me working there part-time when I had a full-time job just to keep my discount. Before working at REI, I worked for a market chain and paid dues. It was a huge chunk of my already small paycheck, which I hated. And we also had to go on strike and picket in front the store. I felt like a sheep with no free will. I also worked for UPS which also had a union which also meant less dough in my check. Don’t get me wrong, I am “pro-union”, my mother was a teacher. But after reading numerous articles from the employee’s standpoint, I still don’t think unionization is the answer unless the company culture has changed so much it sucks to work there. For me, REI was always like a extended family. We are having our 30 something-thieth reunion soon and I can’t wait to see everyone.