Cannabis Organizing Victory
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Bertha Rodriguez
(213) 453-6276, Bertha.Rodriguez@ufcw770.org
Newly Organized Cannabis Workers Ratify Historic Statewide Agreement in California, Including Units in SoCal
Historic first contract covers thousands of UFCW cannabis workers statewide with immediate benefits
Los Angeles— Newly organized cannabis workers at STIIIZY and Authentic retail locations throughout California ratified their first contract as UFCW members last week. This agreement covers cannabis employees working at 18 dispensaries in Southern California, including one large unit with over 100 workers in Los Angeles.
More than 1,200 members of UFCW locals across the state had the opportunity to vote on the statewide contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin.
Union negotiators reached an agreement with STIIIZY and Authentic management on Dec. 30. It also covers workers at Flight dispensaries in Northern California.
For more than a decade, the UFCW has been proud to help lead the development and stabilization of the emerging cannabis industry.
“We are invested in helping create a high standard for cannabis workers,” UFCW Local 770 President John Grant said. “This agreement is historic for the number of workers it covers at well-known companies in the industry. It’s also the first agreement that benefits workers throughout California immediately.”
Previous California cannabis contracts were negotiated regionally or locally. The new agreement will cover cannabis members of UFCW Locals 5, 135, 324, 770, 1167, and 1428.
The contract’s highlights include competitive, standardized wages with annual increases, quality health care, and workplace protections, among other features such as pension contributions by the employer. It also includes a generous sick leave policy and guarantees of hours.
The UFCW represents tens of thousands of cannabis workers across the United States in dispensaries, labs, delivery services, kitchens, manufacturing facilities, processing plants, grow facilities and more, helping workers secure better wages, protection from unfair discipline, and other great benefits of a union contract.
“This union contract will bring us financial stability and security,” said Lydia Ibarra, a worker at Stiiizy who was also part of the bargaining team. And “I appreciate all of my union sisters and brothers for working together to help make this happen,” she added.
“I’m excited to vote for my first union contract,” said Angel Martinez. “With the union having my back, I no longer have to worry about favoritism on the job or being arbitrarily disciplined by management.”
“This agreement was a collective effort on behalf of many dedicated union leaders and the employers,” President Grant concluded.
“We are honored to be the voice of cannabis workers in California and throughout the country as we push to make career jobs in this new industry.”