Monthly Archives: June 2016

Yesterday, UFCW OUTreach issued the following statement in response to the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on Sunday:

“Across our Union there is a profound sadness and strong outrage on the act of despicable hatred in Orlando that stole the lives of so many innocent brothers, sisters and friends.

“Clearly, our mission continues as Labor and LGBTQ activists to not only fight against the hatred faced by LGBTQ individuals on a daily basis, but also to call out and fight hatred towards anyone who is treated differently because of their race or religion.  We believe and understand that ‘an injury to one, is an injury to all.’  We will remember Orlando as we work for a more inclusive world.

“We encourage our local unions and members to take time to grieve this terrible violence and then not only embrace Pride, but celebrate the Pride that we will not let them ever take from us.

“We stand strong and united with Orlando.”

On June 9, history was made as the hard-working women and men at Perma, a cannabis producer-processer in Tacoma, Wash., unanimously approved the first union contract for a recreational cannabis business in Washington state. The workers at Perma are members of UFCW Local 367.

“My grandfathers would be so proud of us for organizing,” said Janie Wallace, a processor at Perma.

The three-year contract raises wages, and includes health insurance, an employer paid defined benefit pension plan, six paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and a seniority and grievance procedure.