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Cannabis Workers in Ohio Ratify a New Contract

On Oct. 28, members of UFCW Local 75 who work at the Sunnyside medical marijuana dispensary in Cincinnati ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits. The about 60 workers provide consultation and advice to patients on various medications and process patients through to point of sale.

The three-year contract includes the following provisions:

  • Increases wages for all classifications over three years of the agreement.

  • Improves access to the 401(k) retirement savings plan. Now, all employees may participate in the 401(k) plan with a 50 percent match of the first 6 percent of eligible employee contributions.

  • Improves scheduling. Proper notification is now required for any schedule changes.

  • Increases paid time off.

  • Provides birthing and bonding leave for full-time employees.

  • Establishes a 50 percent full-time ratio with a clear bidding process to fill full-time openings.

“This contract win is a testament to what workers can do when we stand together,” said UFCW Local 75 President Kevin Garvey. “Not only have our members at Sunnyside secured immediate gains in wages and benefits, but they have established a strong foundation for their future with secure retirement planning and a path to full-time status. I’m proud of what our members have achieved, and of the example it sets for cannabis workers everywhere.”

Take Advantage of the UFCW Discount College Program

The International’s Education and Staff Development Department is encouraging members to take advantage of the UFCW Discount College Program.

Do you have a family member who is considering going back to school?

Have you thought about getting a degree?

Do you have prior college credits?

The UFCW Discount College Program was designed to provide our members and their families with an affordable and flexible path to their higher education goals and includes a broad selection of participating colleges, as well as degree programs spanning from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All classes are online and members and their families can attend part- or full-time.

The UFCW’s partners are:

•           EBS Union College Benefit and

•           EDVANCE

They help facilitate the process.

“As I’ve met with the educational partners, I’ve been excited to learn about the steep discounts each partner offers UFCW members and their families,” said Education and Staff Development Department Director Jenny Reed. “With 30 to 50 percent savings at participating colleges, school administrators work directly with our members and their families to apply for additional federal financial assistance, which could cover their remaining tuition costs. Our partners will also help narrow down what school is the best fit, evaluate any existing transcripts to determine if earned credits can be applied to a degree, and offer other support services.”

You can learn more about the UFCW Discount College Program here. Any questions about the program should be directed to the Education and Staff Development Department at educationdept@ufcw.org.