On August 9, cannabis workers at The Apothecarium Dispensary of Cumberland in Cumberland, Md., joined UFCW Local 27 for a better life.
The 25 workers, who are employed as budtenders, inventory specialists, and floor supervisors, voted unanimously to join our union because they were concerned about poor wages, unaffordable benefits, workplace safety, and a lack of support from the parent company, TerrAscend Corp.
“The workers had been increasingly agitated about their pay and working conditions since TerrAscend Corp. bought Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary,” the workers said in a statement. “Working conditions at the dispensary have been abysmal since the corporate acquisition. Workers have had to endure leaking ceilings, bathrooms in disrepair, exposed electrical wires in the workplace, and air conditioning that doesn’t properly circulate throughout the building.”
“We welcome our sisters and brothers from The Apothecarium to UFCW Local 27,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “Cannabis workers across the nation generate billions of dollars in sales for these rich corporations while receiving poverty wages in return. UFCW Local 27 is dedicated to fighting for these workers and all working people to achieve a living wage, fair benefits, and a better life. We are confident that we will work with these folks to get a great contract that prioritizes dignity, respect, and fairness.”
“The workers wanted this. They knew their own self-worth and they decided to make real change and to fight to have a voice,” said UFCW Local 27 Director of Organizing Jeff Hedrick. “We had a very strong organizing committee and our SPUR Organizer Victoria Clark educated and inoculated and developed a one-on-one relationship with every worker. I am proud of the workers and our Organizing Department.”
In addition to The Apothecarium Dispensary, UFCW Local 27 also represents workers at the Health for Life cannabis dispensaries in White Marsh and Baltimore, as well as at the Zen Leaf dispensary in Towson, PharmaCann Verilife dispensary in Westminster, and dispensaries in Delaware.