Monthly Archives: September 2022

On August 26, workers at the Lume Cannabis Co. dispensary in Monroe, Mich., joined UFCW Local 876 for a better life. Lume Cannabis Co. is the largest cannabis company in Michigan, and workers at this store are the first unit of Lume workers to unionize. UFCW Local 876 also represents workers from the Authentic 231 cannabis dispensary in Manistee, which was the first cannabis dispensary to unionize in Michigan.

“Unions built southeast Michigan and we’re honored to be the newest part of the rebuilding effort,” said Michael, who is a “luminary” at the dispensary. “A unionized Lume means better working conditions for employees, better relationships between the store and corporate management, and an improved experience for cannabis enthusiasts.”

“Unions got us the weekend over a century ago,” said Kyle, who is also a “luminary” at the dispensary. “It’s time for the next generation to continue to improve upon their legacy.”

“We are very pleased to announce the newest addition to the UFCW 876 family,” said UFCW Local 876 President Dan Pedersen. “Congratulations to the Monroe Lume workers who voted to organize. These workers stood together because they know that having a union contract is the way to create a sustainable future as a cannabis worker.”

Thursday, Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month—a time for the UFCW to pay tribute to Hispanic Americans and their positive contributions to our union, communities and country. This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”

The origins of this celebration date back to President Lyndon Johnson, who first established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15.  Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law in 1988, and the start date of September 15 was chosen for the celebration because it marks the anniversary of independence for a number of Latin American countries.

Observing Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to recognize and support the work Hispanic Americans are doing in helping this country and our union grow. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the UFCW will pay tribute to the culture and history of Hispanic Americans and their positive impact on the labor movement and promote voter turnout leading up to the midterm elections. If you have members who would like to share their stories about what this month means to them, please reach out to Julie Anderson at janderson@ufcw.org.