Posts Categorized: Organizing

On April 5, 470 direct support professionals at THRIVE Network in Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y., joined UFCW Local 888 for better wages, benefits and a voice in the workplace. THRIVE Network is a social services agency dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are in need of crucial services to enhance their lives.

THRIVE Network workers wanted to join UFCW Local 888 because they were concerned about staffing issues, not being paid their worth and justice center investigations with no representation. In addition, the workers had been denied the cost of living adjustment increase designated by the state of New York for all direct support professionals.

THRIVE Network workers were enthusiastic about joining our union family.

“You do not know how bad we needed this union! 8-8-8! This is a real union!” said Crystal Stephenson.

“Yay, we did it! We look forward to contract negotiations!” said Melissa Kirk.

“Congratulations to all THRIVE Network workers for coming together and voting in favor of their best interest,” said UFCW Local 888 Director of Organizing Marshall Paris. “Local 888 welcomes you to our Healthcare Division family with open arms. We look forward to unifying everyone to negotiate a union agreement that addresses all your issues.”

On March 22, workers at Vireo Health’s Maryland Medical Solutions in Hurlock, Md., voted to join UFCW Local 27 to ensure they receive the good pay and benefits they have earned. Vireo Health’s Maryland Medical Solutions is a physician-led, patient-focused medical cannabis grower and processor.

Workers at the facility were excited to join our union family.

“I’m excited to be able to negotiate over wage increases that would allow for things like a savings account,” said Ian Stenzer.

“It’s exciting to know that we will have job security and will have the power to bargain for improvements to our jobs,” added Blaine Hill.

“Congratulations to the hard-working men and women of Vireo’s Maryland Medical Solutions,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “They have empowered themselves with the tools for a better future. We look forward to negotiating the best contract that we can for the workers and their families.”