Boycott FAQs 

 

Who is behind the boycott effort?

The boycott is being organized by Touchstone Climbing Members United, not to be confused with the union Touchstone Workers United. This has caused some confusion due to the similarity of names and the union logo’s use by the Touchstone Climbing Members United account.

The union previously stated in an Instagram story that it does not sanction the boycott. After the story expired, they seemed to waver. Touchstone Climbing Members United suggested they are in private communication with the union and that “the union appreciates the action,” and “put two and two together.” On March 2nd, the union stated publicly that they were not in support of the boycott.

Has Touchstone increased wages since the union was formed?

Yes. We provided an annual wage increase last summer for both union and non-union employees alike.

The union was made aware of this increase and agreed to it at the time.

Has Touchstone decreased benefits since the union was formed?

No. All staff, both union and non-union, receive the same benefits, and no employee has had their benefits cut. Touchstone is proud to offer industry-leading compensation and benefits—including healthcare, vision, dental, FSA, and mental health support for full-time staff and their families and a 401k match for all staff who have been with us for at least 1 year.

Regarding healthcare, our offerings did change this year but that was unrelated to the union. Like many businesses, we faced significant increases in health insurance costs. Since 2021, our costs have gone from $400 to $700 per month per employee (even more for family plans). In 2024 alone, costs rose by nearly 20%. To continue offering a platinum-level, no-deductible plan to all full-time employees Touchstone asked employees to contribute 10%, or $70 per month. For those who prefer an alternative, we cover 100% of the premiums of a $1500 deductible plan at no cost to the staff.

Are membership rate increases being used to fund new gyms?

No. New gyms are funded through loans, which are then repaid over time after the gym opens.

Membership rate increases do not fund new gym construction. Instead, they go directly toward covering the rising costs of running the business, particularly staff wages and benefits, leases, utilities, and basic operational expenses. Like any business, our costs increase each year, and membership rates reflect these growing expenses.

New gyms help increase overall revenue, which support staff wages and benefits and can even help sustain older, less profitable gyms, keeping them from closing.

How are the union negotiations actually going?

The union was formed 11 months ago in Southern California. (Our Northern California gyms and Class 5 are not union gyms.) Our first bargaining session took place in July. Since then, we have met ten times and have reached agreements on four proposals.

Negotiations involve both sides exchanging proposals and counterproposals, which is a normal part of the process. On average, a first-time contract takes over 400 days to negotiate. For example, the negotiations at Vital—the only climbing gym to reach a contract with a union—took 18 months.

Did Touchstone hire “union-busting” lawyers?

Just like the union hired an attorney well-versed with the protocols of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)—afterall, the union is a business too—so did we. This is standard practice as union rules and regulations are very specialized.

Does the CEO attend union negotiations?

Touchstone is represented in negotiations by our Director of Human Resources, a gym manager, and our legal counsel. Since the majority of bargaining topics are HR-related, it made sense for HR and a gym manager to be present, as most proposals directly impact the staff they work with and oversee.

Senior leadership, including Mark (CEO), works closely with this team to review union proposals and develop counterproposals. Touchstone responds to proposals after careful review, caucusing, and the creation of a written counterproposal. No single person in the company—including the CEO—can unilaterally accept or reject bargaining demands.

It’s also important to note that staff have had a direct line of communication with Touchstone leadership, even before the formation of the union. That remains true today.

Is NorCal hosting illegal captive audience meetings?

No. The CEO attended some regular staff meetings that covered a range of normal topics. During these meetings, he provided updates and answered employee questions about the union.

Is it true that Touchstone is not coming to the table with proposals?

This is not true. Touchstone regularly brings proposals to the table. For example, during the last bargaining session on February 10, Touchstone presented 16 pages of proposals. At the meeting before that, on January 28, Touchstone presented 9 pages of proposals. Touchstone regularly presents proposals during bargaining.

As a company, we have a responsibility to balance the needs of all stakeholders—including principled commitments to our community, business partners, and the environment and a legal duty to shareholders.

Are affinity groups and meetups required to sign a contract restricting political views?

We require these groups to sign a contract that emphasizes civility, respect, and a shared commitment to making climbing accessible to all. Climbing gyms are a place where people come to challenge themselves, connect, and let go of daily conflicts—not amplify them.

For every political opinion expressed in a Touchstone gym, someone in the room will be offended. We aim to create a space where all members feel comfortable regardless of their personal beliefs