The successor agreement for UFCW Local 371 members at Still River Wellness in Torrington, Conn., was approved unanimously last month. The new contract covers 12 cannabis dispensary associates and vault service technicians and brings improvements to wages, benefits, and vacation allotments.
Highlights include:
- Incremental wage increases over the term of the contract, with workers gaining an average of 16 percent
- A 34 percent increase in the employer’s contribution to employee health insurance
- Clear guidance on promotional opportunities
- Guarantees that schedules are posted the month before they take effect
- An increase in the employee discount percentage
- Frontloading of sick time at the beginning of the calendar year
- Increased vacation time based on seniority, including for part-time employees
- Additional paid holidays
Workers say the strong contract is a win for them and for the dispensary’s customers.
“Our little shop in the corner of Connecticut is dedicated to our customers and patients, and we are thankful they are loyal to us,” said Ashley Corrie, shop steward and bargaining committee member.
“They should know that when they shop here, they are helping us have living-wage jobs. I’m proud of myself and my fellow bargaining committee members for working together with our employer to bargain a contract that ensures the business can continue to grow while we benefit from that growth.”