Posts Categorized: Organizing

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.”

The UFWC’s Organizing Department hosted a conference for cannabis industry organizers in Detroit on June 18 to 20.

Over 50 cannabis industry organizers and local officials from across the country attended the conference, which focused on organizing best practices in this relatively new industry. The conference included trainings on how to start new organizing campaigns in the cannabis industry; how to coordinate organizing and bargaining tactics; and how to run cannabis issue campaigns. The conference also focused on safety and health issues that are specific to the cannabis industry.

The Cannabis Workers Rising organizers who created and presented the trainings mainly come from the cannabis industry. They brought their real life experiences organizing their shops and bargaining their contracts to the conference and shared best practices on how to manage the transition from non-union staff to union membership.

“UFCW cannabis locals and the International’s Cannabis Workers Rising team are incredibly creative and innovative organizers,” said National Cannabis Campaign Coordinator Megan Carvalho. “During the formal and informal discussions in Detroit, organizers were able to strategize on how to continue to raise the standards in this industry by organizing at a shop level, a company-wide level, and an industry level.”

The UFCW’s Organizing Department is planning to expand these trainings throughout the year. If your local is interested in learning more about cannabis organizing training, please contact D.J. Totty at dtotty@ufcw.org and Megan Carvalho at mcarvalho@ufcw.org.