🎁 Why are the holidays so stressful?

It’s Monday, November 20 — people are talking about potential labor law violations at REI, the phenomenon of holiday stress, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

💰 Did REI violate labor laws?

REI is feuding with its unions. Workers lodged formal complaints to the National Labor Board — what's going on?

💰 Reuters: Workers at 8 unionized stores accused REI of widespread labor law violations. They filed 80 complaints with the US National Labor Relations Board.

💰 The Guardian says the workers claim REI engaged in union-busting tactics and retaliated against pro-union workers. Workers from stores all over the country walked out in early November to protest.

💰 But REI says they have engaged fairly in negotiations and never retaliated against workers. Retail Dive thinks this puts a big dent in REI’s progressive reputation, though.

💰 Bloomberg says the whole thing is strange. REI workers say they're living up to the co-op's pro-worker values by unionizing, but the company doesn't want to budge. This might be a protracted fight.

🎁 Why are the holidays so stressful?

The holidays can be really stressful. What can you do to manage it?

🎁 Why are the holidays so stressful? Verywell Mind says it’s probably all the extra work and expenses. For others, it's probably too much family time.

🎁 Harvard Med thinks the holidays are stressful because of the massive changes to our routine, and the increased responsibilities.

🎁 Johns Hopkins Medicine has tips: Accept imperfection in your plans, and don't lose sight of what really counts. The holidays are for relaxing!

🎁 And Wondermind recommends not feeling bad about hating the holidays. Many people dread them — your feelings are valid.

Quick hits

🚗 A section of Interstate 10 in LA opened sooner than expected. The section was initially closed because of a fire earlier in November. (CNN)

🇺🇸 During a visit to the Mexico-US border, Donald Trump secured an endorsement from Texas governor Greg Abbott. (AP News)

🎂 President Biden is 81 years old today. His birthday agenda includes pardoning turkeys and joining military families to receive the White House Christmas tree. (People)

⚫ Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 in Atlanta. (NYT)