Posts Categorized: Cannabis

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.”

On June 9, workers at the Terrasana cannabis dispensary in Cleveland joined UFCW Local 880 for a better life.

The 20 workers, who are employed as clerks and cashiers, joined our union because they wanted to improve their wages and schedules. The organizing campaign was built on one-on-one conversations, trust, and a shared belief in the power of collective action. Through meetings and discussions, workers learned about the benefits of a union contract and the power of a united voice in the workplace.

These workers are happy to be a part of our union and looking forward to negotiating their first union contract.

“We advocated for a union because we want a more democratic dispensary where workers get a say in how things are run,” said the workers in a joint statement. “Our hard work earns a lot of money for Terrasana and we deserve better pay, a fair attendance system, and a more stable workplace. We are stronger when we come together, get organized, and join the UFCW’s Cannabis Workers Union.”

“The cannabis industry is expanding in Ohio, and workers at Terrasana are ensuring that its growth includes good union jobs,” said UFCW Local 880 Secretary-Treasurer Carl Green. “By organizing, they aren’t just securing better wages and conditions for themselves—they are also helping to set the standard for cannabis workers throughout the state. We are proud to welcome them into our union family.”