Monthly Archives: February 2021

Workers at Liberty Cannabis in Somerville, Mass., recently joined UFCW Local 1445 for the better wages and benefits that come with being a member of our union family.

The 10 cannabis dispensary workers joined our union because they were concerned about job security and insufficient benefits, and wanted the same benefits as their colleagues at other cannabis facilities in Massachusetts who are members of the UFCW.

“I am proud that cannabis workers in Massachusetts are educating themselves and exercising their right to join the Cannabis Workers Rising movement,” said UFCW Local 1445 President Fernando Lemus. “I am confident and continue to be committed to organizing this industry and making sure that workers are not left behind in its success.”

Last year, New England Treatment Access, LLC  workers in Franklin, Cultivate Holdings workers in Leicester, and workers at Mayflower Medicinals in Holliston joined UFCW Local 1445. In 2019, workers at Sira Naturals, Inc. in Milford, Needham and Somerville became the first in the state’s cannabis industry to reach an agreement on a union contract by voting to join the local.

Over 100 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at Lassonde Pappas & Co., a beverage manufacturer in Bridgeton, N.J., recently ratified a new contract that raises wages and improves benefits.

The three-year agreement, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin, includes a substantial retro pay provision, yearly wage increases, increased premiums for higher-skilled positions, increased sick days, paid steward days, and enhanced bereavement leave. The contract also protects affordable health care by ensuring that tier-one employees have zero-cost share health benefits. Additionally, members in tier-two will be able to pay much less for their health benefits or have their current contributions frozen for the life of the agreement. In addition to the economic improvements in the new contract, members now have the ability to elect voluntary supplemental benefits through payroll deduction. Several contractual items were also updated for clarity.

Members of the Negotiating Committee included Director of Collective Bargaining Daniel Ross; Vice President and Union Representative Carmine DelVicario; Director of Organizing Chad Brooks; Chief Steward Lance Winchester; Stewards Ronald Wolfe, Walt Allison, Francisco Rivera, and Christopher McDowell; as well as committee members Carol Kasson, Harry Shields, and Sean McDaniels.