Blog

Over 100 members of UFCW Local 27 who work at Vireo Health International Inc.’s MaryMed LLC facilities in Maryland ratified a new contract on June 12. The contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin of the workers after months of bargaining, covers MaryMed LLC dispensaries in Frederick and Baltimore, as well as cultivation workers in Massey Mills and packaging and processing workers in Hurlock. 

The three-year contract includes across-the-board pay raises of 3.5 percent, 3.25 percent and 3 percent respectively, including retroactive pay, and significant increases to the minimum pay rate for every classification listed in the contract. The contract increases pensions, and improves bereavement benefits, severance benefits, and protected workers’ tips. The contract also includes new union leave language and increases mentor/preceptor pay. Additionally, the company agreed to the maintenance of benefits for the life of the agreement.

“For over six months, Vireo/MaryMed LLC workers fought hard at the bargaining table for the wages and respect they deserve,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “They emerge victorious with a contract that they can be proud of. These courageous workers proved that when we fight, we win.”

“The bargaining committee couldn’t have reached this agreement without the full support of our members,” said Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President Nelson Hill, who also served as the lead negotiator. “Over the last six months, our members utilized our collective power and refused to back down until we won the respect we deserved. With this agreement, we are moving forward to becoming more united and powerful than ever before.”

Members of UFCW Local 1400 who work at the Prairie Pride Natural Foods poultry production facility in the city of Saskatoon in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan recently ratified a new contract. The more than 200 members produce fresh and frozen chicken products for markets across Western Canada.

Key highlights of the agreement include a substantial initial wage increase of approximately 4.5 percent upon ratification, followed by annual wage increases of 2.75 percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, and 3.25 percent over the term of the five-year contract. In addition to wage increases, the new agreement boosts both night shift and Sunday premiums, adds an extra sick day per year, and enhances meal and footwear allowances to better support members on the job.