Monthly Archives: February 2023

On Feb. 14, cannabis workers at the Valley Wellness dispensary in Raritan, N.J., joined UFCW Local 360 for a better life.

The 13 full- and part-time budtenders and leads joined our union family via card check because they were concerned about insufficient wages and benefits and wanted a voice in the workplace. Many of these workers had worked for unionized cannabis facilities before and were well aware of the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract.

Organizers from UFCW Local 360 and other cannabis workers represented by the local met with the workers to discuss the benefits of belonging to our union family. Organizers also attended the grand opening of the store and other events as a way to get to know the workers. UFCW Locals 360 and 152 represent workers at Verano NJ, a medical cannabis company in Branchburg, N.J.

“We wanted to join the UFCW because we know that if we do not stick together, our voices would be drowned out,” said Valley Wellness dispensary worker Matthew Group. “It was important to not only have a voice regarding wages and working conditions, but a true voice in the industry.”

On Feb. 2, members of UFCW Local 5 who work at Macy’s Union Square flagship store in San Francisco ratified a new contract that raises wages and improves benefits.

This ratification comes after months of negotiations and a two-day strike just before Christmas day. During the negotiations and the two-day strike, UFCW locals offered their support and members of UFCW Local 3000 who work at Macy’s traveled to San Francisco to stand with their colleagues as they fought for a strong contract.

The three-year contract includes wage increases totaling $1.50 per hour and a ratification bonus of up to $1,200. The contract also includes severance pay of up to 52 weeks for employees who leave the company, new health and safety language, and the maintenance of existing seniority rights.  

“We have been bargaining with Macy’s since the end of last May for improved wages, safety and security protections, and to protect our seniority provisions,” said Michelle Jones, who is a UFCW Local 5 Macy’s worker and served on the Bargaining Committee. “It has not been an easy road with Macy’s, but we were encouraged by the support of our union family in reaching this agreement and pledge to support Locals 1-S, 1445 and 3000 in their upcoming contract fight with Macy’s.”