Last month, UFCW Local 400 members working at the Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Burtonsville, Md., unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement.
The three-year contract raises standards of living and improves the working conditions for the 15 employees who interact directly with the dispensary’s customers.
Significant gains include:
- Guaranteed wage increases over the life of the agreement
- Protections against members losing their jobs to temporary workers
- Paid breaks
- Employer matches for worker saving accounts
- Paid holidays and personal time off
- Paid bereavement leave
- A grievance procedure to resolve disputes with management
- Mandated work week schedule postings
- Severance pay
After unionizing with UFCW Local 400 in September 2024, Apothecarium workers were pleased to have won a strong agreement. “It feels great to get a contract for everyone at the dispensary,” said bargaining committee member Nick Belton.
“It’s great to work for a company that listens and actively works with the union to hear our needs and try and come to the best possible solution that works for everyone,” said bargaining committee member Samira Wilson. “And a big thanks to our union for being there and checking up on us to make sure that we have everything we need.”
“I congratulate our Apothecarium members on their first collective bargaining agreement,” said UFCW Local 400 President Mark P. Federici. “Their activism and solidarity earned them a contract that improves their lives and strengthens their security.”