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On July 22, the UFCW announced its unanimous endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

“Today, the UFCW International Executive Board is proud to announce the endorsement of Vice President Harris to be the next President of the United States,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone in a statement. “She has always shown up for our members, whether it was during her time representing California in the U.S. Senate or as part of the most pro-union administration in modern American history, Vice President Harris has workers’ backs.”

“For years, Vice President Harris has shown a real willingness to listen to our members and working people everywhere about the issues that matter most to them. As a U.S. Senator, she was a vocal supporter for essential worker protections during the pandemic. During her tenure as Vice President, she was critical in the fight to lower prescription drugs and cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021, safeguarding the retirements of over 350,000 union workers. Working families deserve a presidential candidate that will put them first and the only candidate in this race who will do that is Vice President Harris. We look forward to working with our members across the country to elect her as our next president.”

On July 21, the UFCW responded to President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection.

“We respect President Biden’s difficult and patriotic decision to step down from the 2024 presidential election,” said Perrone in a statement. “As one of the most pro-union presidents in America’s history, he has uplifted our members during a global pandemic, stood with us on picket lines, and worked tirelessly advocating for our country’s workers.”

“Make no mistake about it, workers’ rights are on the ballot this November and working class families need a presidential candidate that puts them first, not one that is eroding their rights,” Perrone added. “It is absolutely imperative that the future Democratic presidential nominee fully embraces President Biden’s strong labor legacy in their fight against former President Donald Trump for the sake of working families across the country.”

Over 45 workers at 17 CBD Kratom and Mr. Nice Guy cannabis dispensaries in Missouri and Illinois joined UFCW Local 655 for a better life on June 7.

These workers are employed at 14 CBD Kratom and Mr. Nice Guy dispensaries in St. Louis and three dispensaries Fairview and Alton, Ill. They joined our union family because they were concerned about insufficient wages, benefits, and health insurance, and wanted job stability and a voice in the workplace. UFCW Local 655 negotiated a neutrality agreement with the employer that allowed for a fair and cooperative process for workers to join a union, and the campaign to organize these workers included reaching out via social media platforms, including WhatsApp messaging, as well as store visits and one-on-one conversations with the workers.

“We’re thrilled to have CBD Kratom and Mr. Nice Guy employees joining our union family,” said UFCW Local 655 President David Cook. “This election shows what we can accomplish when an employer agrees not to engage in an aggressive anti-union campaign and allow their workers to choose what’s best for them.”

In addition to workers at the CBD Kratom and Mr. Nice Guy dispensaries, UFCW Local 655 also represents cannabis workers at the Shangri-La and High Profile cannabis dispensaries, both of which are located in Columbia, Mo.