Fired for limited availability while on FMLA - Sales Associate REI Employee Review

1.0
Feb 2, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I kept requesting minimal hourly raises due to my veteran benefits & that was respected.

Cons

I was approved for FMLA on a Friday after having been admitted to the local veterans hospital for a life threatening emergency following a routine procedures and that following Sunday I received an email stating due to my inability to be scheduled that I was to be let go from the company. This was following my repeated requests for additional training to qualify as a bicycle mechanic that was given multiple times to individuals meeting consistent characteristic of gender & age. It claims to be an inclusive & non-discriminatory company yet in practice it absolutely is. I was forefront with my disabilities from the initial application & never hid them. Even suffered when I didn’t have to to reduce any impacts I’d have on others work loads. I’d long desired to work for a REI due to having been a Coop member since early 2000s & diligently strived for education & training, received top reviews yet fighting for my life cost me my job which was part of my mental health wellbeing.

Explore other reviews about REI

5.0
May 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People and incredible work culture. REI truly walks the walk when it comes to company culture. Significant amount of focus on people and values in a genuine way. Exceptional benefits and pay. Making medical coverage available for all employees part time and full time.

Cons

Not many negatives to share.

3.0
May 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers, some managers, discounts, outfitting people properly without extra nonsense

Cons

Some truly horrible managers, pressure to sell credit cards is a morale killer, the union people. Employees drinking the union kool aid fail to see the company’s position, REI cannot give higher pay, better benefits , consistent hours, etc… with the erratic revenue stream that comes in , if a 5 year average is X in revenue and 5 year average is Y on wages and costs, how are they supposed to increase wages and benefits? It’s numbers and they don’t line up, if REI gives the increases which increases the expenses greatly, they will cut staff, a lot fewer employees which will eliminate a bunch of union supporters, an REI job is not supposed to be a lucrative deal, when you get hired the part time , part time plus and full time options are there and you choose what you want fully understanding what hours you are going to get at minimum, they will hire those positions on a need basis, to cry later that you don’t make enough money is your fault, the terms were clear and you signed off on them. The union is promising rainbows , reality will be far different, careful what you wish for

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