Posts Categorized: Organizing

On Sept. 3, workers at the Ponder cannabis store in Seattle joined UFCW Local 21 for a better life. The eight workers, who are charge of bud tending, cash handling, medical cannabis and inventory at the store, joined our union family because they were concerned about unjust firings and insufficient wages and benefits. They also wanted a voice in the workplace and the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract .

The new members of UFCW Local 21 are excited about being a part of our union family.

“The process was definitely stressful, of course, but the win feels really good,” said Kristen Wells. “I personally felt really supported by the UFCW along the way. It is really exciting to be moving the cannabis industry towards an equitable place for everybody.”

“The process of creating the union created a lot of challenges and a lot of conversations amongst everyone,” said Cody Funderburk. “But overall, I am really thrilled that we have this opportunity to make the cannabis industry more equitable through collective bargaining power.”

“I’m excited that this win was fruitful and that we have a chance to make our workplace better for ourselves,” said Ritsuko Armington.

On August 25, Service and Maintenance Division workers at the Faxton – St. Luke’s Health Care Medical Center in Utica, N.Y., joined UFCW Local One for a better life. The Faxton – St. Luke’s Health Care Medical Center is affiliated with the Mohawk Valley Health System and the 290 new members of UFCW Local One are employed as maintenance workers, dietary aides, care attendants, secretaries, and as laundry and environmental services workers.  

“I am very proud of our Organizing Department for being able to sign up a majority of the workers in the service and maintenance unit at Faxton – St. Luke’s Health Care Medical Center, while at the same time that the local was conducting negotiations with the Mohawk Valley Health System,” said UFCW Local One President Frank DeRiso. “I would like to give special appreciation to the entire Bargaining Committee, as well as Recorder and Executive Assistant Robert Ciancaglini; Union Representative Tony DeRiso; and Local One’s Attorney Robert Smith for securing a card check neutrality agreement with this employer during negotiations.”

“It’s very important to have a contract, not just for monetary reasons, but also safety wise,” said Mike McKinney, who works in the Service and Maintenance Division and is training to be a steward for the unit.  “Having a contract builds comradery amongst the workers. Having a union contract is good for all.”