Cannabis workers at the Gotham Dispensary in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., joined RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 on June 11. The election, supervised by the NLRB, brings union representation to 25 workers at the popular Brooklyn location.
This win comes after months of organizing, during which RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 filed unfair labor practice charges against Gotham, alleging the company unlawfully terminated strong union supporters. Despite management’s use of union-busting tactics, including hiring an anti-union consultant, workers remained united and undeterred.
“I wanted to join RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 so that everyone at Gotham would have a collective voice,” said Cara Behar, who is a budtender at Gotham. “Unions are the backbone of this country, and their presence is more important now than ever. We’re demanding fair scheduling, equitable treatment of part- and full-time workers, and basic protections. Watching my co-workers be fired for organizing only strengthened our resolve.”
“We need an advocate in the workplace,” added Malik Bowens, who is a delivery driver at Gotham. “A union gives us a voice in how we’re treated, and how the store runs. We want clear communication, fair scheduling, and respect. Winning this election means we’re one step closer to that.”
“The solidarity and strength the workers at Gotham displayed over the last six months of this unionization campaign has been nothing short of inspiring,” said RWDSU/UFCW Local 338 Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Fontano. “They came together to advocate for each other, even in the face of unfair labor practices. This win shows the power of organizing and the vision we had when we helped shape cannabis legalization in New York. We’re proud to welcome Gotham workers into our union family and look forward to winning them a strong first contract.”