{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "RWDSU",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/rwdsu",
"title": "Send An Email: REI, Protect SoHo Ski Shop Workers!",
"thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/361/220/normal/AN_SoHo_Ski_Shop.png",
"description": "It’s the beginning of ski season in New York, and ski shop workers at REI SoHo are gearing up for a busy few months of ski tunes and repairs. We look forward to this season and getting New Yorkers onto the slopes safely with finely tuned gear. Unfortunately, under REI’s new policies, ski shop workers have been left unprotected from chemical compounds required to complete these tunes and repairs. For those unfamiliar with our work, ski shop workers are required to melt plastic and wax to repair skis, up to 8-15 pairs of skis a day at the peak of ski season. The Safety Data Sheets show that three of the chemicals we use require fresh air as a means for addressing adverse effects of inhalation – and that if such engineering controls are not demonstrably effective, PPE should be available to workers. We know that the metal grip we use is potentially fatal if inhaled. Our shop is located two stories underground, at subway level, without windows or ventilation. We have yet to be provided any scientific evidence backing up management’s claim that our poorly-ventilated ski shop has been properly inspected and cleared for use of the chemicals necessary to make ski repairs without use of a respirator. This issue first arose after REI reached a settlement with OSHA over their respirator policy over the summer. On October 4, REI imposed a new “voluntary respirator policy” nationwide that declared, without providing any evidence, that PPE are not necessary when conducting ski tunes. In the case of SoHo, managers marched into the shop and removed all existing PPE: half-face reusable respirators, the replacement filters for those, and all N-95 masks. This happened without any warning and those of us not working that day only found out later that a dramatic change had been made to the standard operating procedures for ski tunes. We, the bike and ski shop workers of REI SoHo, are calling on our customers and supporters to stand with us as we fight for our health and safety. Unless our demands are met, we will be exposed to hazardous chemicals as ski work begins to roll in. Send an email to our managers and demand that REI: Provide access to the evidence and outline of any procedures that were used to substantiate the claim that the engineering controls in place are effective in controlling the circulation of dangerous chemicals that become airborne during the ski tune process. That upon completion of the respirator training and medical examination, any employee who passes is returned their previous respirator or issued a new properly fitted respirator. That an assessment be made of the effectiveness of the engineering controls by a qualified industrial hygienist. That all of the Administrative tools such as signage, proper storage, etc. be put into place so that the PPE can be properly managed and maintained. That a new REI Bike and Ski Shop Health and Safety Policy be drafted through a consultative process and relying on objective data.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/letters/rei-soho-ski-shop-letter"
}