Posts Categorized: Cannabis

On Sept. 8, cannabis workers at the Best Buds Dispensary in Dover, Del., joined UFCW Local 27 for a better life. The 15 workers, who are tasked with bud tending, cash handling, medical cannabis and inventory at the store, joined our union family because they wanted a voice in the workplace and the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract.

The newest members of UFCW Local 27 are excited about being a part of our union family.

“I decided to join the union family for growth potential, better wages, and better benefits,” said Justin Hartman.

“I believe that joining Local 27 will provide me and my co-workers with the right protection that you have by being union and also great benefits,” said Dominique Brown.

“We are very happy and excited that the workers at Best Buds chose to be represented by our local and join our union family,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “We will now negotiate the best contract that we can for our newest members.”

Members of UFCW Local 328 who work at Curaleaf’s medicinal dispensary in Hanover, Mass., ratified a first union contract on Sept. 8 that strengthens wages and benefits.

The workers, who are employed as store associates and inventory coordinators, voted unanimously to approve the three-year contract, which includes guaranteed wage increases, improved starting rates, and a ratification bonus. The contract also includes  improvements in paid sick leave; additional paid holidays; protected time and a half on Sundays and holidays; a robust grievance procedure and workplace protections; and a newly secured opportunity to earn tips.

“I’m so proud of our team for sticking together and achieving this victory,” said Samuel Cortezano, a store associate and member of the negotiating committee. “We collectively made a decision to form our union during the pandemic to ensure we have a strong voice on the job and this contract is now a huge leap forward for all of us. We are proud to continue the movement of Curaleaf workers unionizing and encourage all other workers across the company to join us by saying ‘Union Yes!’”

“Forming a union at a multi-billion dollar company, the largest cannabis company in the world, is never easy,” said UFCW Local 328 Director of Organizing Sam Marvin. “However, these workers showed the power of solidarity throughout this process. We are so proud of our partnership and welcome them to our union family!”