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Budtenders at Canna Cabana in Waterloo, a city in the Canadian province of Ontario, recently voted to join UFCW Locals 175 and 633.  

This newly unionized group of cannabis retail workers came together to improve their workplace and address key issues, such as improving scheduling, achieving better compensation, and ensuring fair treatment on the job.

By unionizing, these budtenders join a growing movement of Canna Cabana workers across Ontario who are represented by UFCW Locals 175 and 633. In 2020, workers at Canna Cabana in Hamilton made history by becoming the first retail cannabis location in Ontario to unionize with UFCW Locals 175 and 633. In subsequent years, workers at Canna Cabana stores in Ottawa, Innisfil, Toronto and more, have joined our union.

“UFCW Local 175 provides workers with protection from arbitrary treatment and an official process to raise concerns through the grievance procedure without fear of retaliation,” said UFCW Local 175 President Kelly Tosato. “We are proud to represent workers in the retail cannabis sector and look forward to welcoming more as the industry continues to grow.”

Members of UFCW Local 152 who work at Old Fashioned Kitchen in Lakewood, N.J., ratified a new contract on Jan. 14. The about 50 members help to produce blintzes, pancakes and pierogies, which are sold to hospitality and restaurant businesses across the country.

The three-year contract includes across-the-board wage increases, along with guaranteed yearly increases for the life of the contract. Additionally, all members will receive a one-time ratification bonus, and members with more than 10 years of service will receive a one-time longevity bonus.

Through hard bargaining, the employer agreed to increase contributions to the Supplemental Pension and Savings Fund, which will provide our members with the means to plan for a more comfortable retirement. Affordable union health care benefits were also maintained and bereavement leave was expanded. In addition, a new provision was added to the contract requiring that all records of disciplinary actions be removed after one year.