Cannabis workers at the Fresh Dispensary in Eatontown, N.J., recently joined UFCW Local 360. The 16 workers are employed as budtenders.
These workers joined UFCW Local 360 because they wanted to set strong standards for wages, benefits and scheduling. The campaign to organize these workers included meeting with the budtenders outside of work and building a strong, united committee. Organizers had open conversations with the workers about the many benefits of union membership and highlighted the vital role the UFCW plays in protecting the cannabis community.
“Voting to unionize is a powerful step,” said UFCW Local 360 Director of Organizing Hugh Giordano. “It represents a professional and personal commitment to the future of the company and signals that these cannabis workers want to be partners in creating long-term success. As this young industry evolves, workers are learning about the value of bona fide unions, like Local 360.”
“They see that labor membership can mean better conditions, better opportunities and a brighter future for families, communities and employers,” Giordano added. “They chose our union because of our unmatched cannabis industry expertise and our record of success for cannabis workers in collective bargaining, contract negotiations and workers’ rights.”