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Workers at an REI store in New York City have voted to unionize. Workers at the outdoor equipment and apparel retailer began to organize in 2020, in part because they felt that many employees who had been outspoken about COVID-19 related safety concerns were not asked to return after REI temporarily closed its doors that year. REI brands itself as a progressive company and its website says they believe in “putting purpose before profits.” After the vote REI released a statement saying, “As we have said throughout this process, REI firmly believes that the decision of whether or not to be represented by a union is an important one, and we respect each employee's right to choose or refuse union representation.”