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American Red Cross Workers in Ohio Join Local 1059

American Red Cross workers in Hilliard, Ohio, joined UFCW Local 1059 on April 30. These workers are responsible for loading trucks for blood collection drives.

The workers joined our union because they were concerned about insufficient health care benefits. They also wanted the same benefits, protections and dignity on the job as their unionized co-workers who are members of UFCW Local 1059 and are employed in the lab kitting division.

“It’s so nice to have everyone in this unit treated with the same fairness and respect that they deserve,” said UFCW Local 1059 Organizing Director Mark Dersom.

“Workers at the American Red Cross provide vital services to our communities,” said UFCW Local 1059 President Mike Nichols. “All of these heroes deserve our thanks and good union benefits.”

UFCW Local 1059 also represents American Red Cross workers in Columbus.

Cannabis Workers in California Ratify a New Contract

On April 11, about 500 members of UFCW Locals 5, 135, 324, 770, 1167, and 1428 who work at STIIIZY cannabis dispensaries across California ratified a landmark contract that strengthens wages and benefits.

The three-year contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin of the members, includes the highest starting wages in the industry, expanded paid sick leave, guaranteed health insurance for part-time employees, and a fairer attendance policy. The deal sets a new benchmark for the cannabis industry, with starting wages of $19.50/hour in Southern California and $20.50/hour in the San Francisco Bay Area — the highest in the cannabis unionized sector. Workers also secured 64 hours of annual paid sick leave (up from 56) in Southern California and a more equitable attendance system designed to reduce turnover while maintaining service quality. 

Other key provisions in the contract include:

•           Health insurance for part-timers: Eligibility now requires just 20 hours/week, down from previous thresholds. 

•           Stronger job security: Guaranteed minimum hours aligned with benefit eligibility. 

•           Policy influence: A formal union-company partnership to advocate for stable industry regulations statewide. 

“This contract shows that STIIIZY is a company worth working for—it makes the job more enjoyable with better wages,” said Andy Lallu, who is a floor leader at STIIIZY in Los Angeles. “Having improved health benefits for everyone, including part-timers, feels fair. We’re setting the standard for the entire industry.”