Despite the compounding complaints from the union — alleged union busting, dismissing union-endorsed board candidates, dragging out contract negotiations — members were “shocked to see REI endorse someone who has close ties to the oil and gas industry,” said Sean Embly, director of organizing for major Washington union UFCW 3000.

Laughton’s apology is one of the latest broadsides the retailer has thrown against the Trump administration, which include accusing Burgum of undermining the country’s public lands and refusing to rescind the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Mary Beth Laughton, the president and CEO of REI.