Greenlight Marijuana Dispensary budtenders and lead budtenders in Joplin, Mo., voted overwhelmingly last month to join UFCW Local 2. The 21 workers organized out of a desire for job security, more consistent scheduling, equitable tip distribution, better pay, and protection from unilateral corporate changes.
“I love my job and the customers I get to help every day, and with a union, we will be able to serve them better,” said Kelli Jones, budtender. “Job security at Greenlight is crucial for us, especially after being bought by Good Day Farm. We can now negotiate a first contract that secures more consistent hours and better pay for all of us.”
Fellow budtender Evan Arehart, agreed. “We fought hard to win our union to not only improve our workplace, but also to ensure the sustainability and success of Missouri’s cannabis industry,” he said.
“With our union, my co-workers and I will have a say in how our tips are distributed, protection from corporate whims, and the ability to bargain for better wages. I love this industry and I want to see it thrive, which is why I’m proud to have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions being made at Greenlight.”
UFCW Local 2 Director of Collective Bargaining and Retail Servicing Chad Price welcomed the new members to the union family. “We commend these workers on their solidarity and commitment to improving their workplace, and we look forward to supporting them as they bargain their first contract,” he said. “UFCW Local 2 is proud to see the organizing momentum in Missouri’s cannabis industry, and we will continue supporting workers as they unionize and secure strong contracts.”
Greenlight workers’ election victory in Joplin comes on the heels of three historic contract ratifications for Missouri’s cannabis workers this past summer.