Posts Categorized: On Point

Over 300 direct support professionals at 20 Karis Disability Services locations in Ottawa, Canada, recently joined UFCW Local 175 for the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract. These workers provide support and services to adults with exceptional needs who require assistance in their day-to-day lives.

Some of the concerns that led these workers to seek union representation included better wages and benefits, more fairness and less favoritism, improved working conditions, seniority and job security, and professional recognition.

“Our union provides a collective voice, empowering workers to negotiate with their employers,” said UFCW Local 175 President Kelly Tosato. “We know these workers provide exceptional support for their community and they will achieve great things in bargaining to ensure they and their co-workers have all the resources and support they need to do this important work.”

On March 6, members of UFCW Local 99 who work at WholesomeCo, a medical cannabis pharmacy in West Bountiful, Utah, ratified their first union contract, becoming the first in Utah’s cannabis industry to do so.

The contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin and covers positions ranging from delivery fulfillment agents to pharmacy agents at WholesomeCo’s West Bountiful facility, was more than a year in the making. Workers at the northern Utah pharmacy voted to form a union with UFCW Local 99 in November 2023 by a margin of 21-1.

The three-year contract includes the following provisions:

•           Guaranteed wage increases over three years.

•           Company-provided insurance coverage for medical, dental, and vision.

•           Paid bereavement and parental leave.

•           Paid time off and paid holidays.

•           Paid meal breaks.

•           Ratification bonus.

“The cannabis industry in Utah wouldn’t be where it is today without the pharmacy workers who are on the frontlines caring for patients every day,” said Shaylee Robinson, a delivery fulfillment agent. “Forming a union wasn’t easy, but being able to have strong workplace protections has made everything worth it.”

“It’s exciting to be the first in Utah’s medicinal cannabis industry to join a union,” said Brett Mattice, an inventory compliance agent. “I’d like to thank WholesomeCo for entering into this historic agreement. I’m confident that it will increase patient satisfaction and benefit the company in the long run.”

“This marks an important milestone not just for WholesomeCo employees, but for all Utah cannabis workers.” said UFCW Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin. “With the ratification of this historic contract, WholesomeCo will continue to be a great place to work while helping to raise the standard of living for employees industrywide.”