VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Budtenders at Clarity Cannabis have joined UFCW 1518, making them the first cannabis workers at a private dispensary to unionize in Canada.
“We are excited to welcome these new members to our union and we are proud to be the first union in Canada to organize private dispensaries," said President Kim Novak.
Budtenders connected with UFCW 1518 in an effort to address outstanding concerns, including fair wages, a respectful workplace, safety and security on the job, and education and training opportunities. “The cannabis industry is an emerging sector and it’s important to build worker power so that budtenders, as well as other cannabis workers, have a strong voice. That is our union’s commitment," said Novak.
Budtender Emma Riderelli said she joined the union to build a future for herself and her co-workers in the industry. “Legal cannabis is a game changer for those struggling with health conditions and I am proud that the work I do helps people. Unfortunately, the pay is just not there, and educational opportunities are few and far between.”
Adelaide Wilder is another budtender who joined her co-workers in organizing Clarity Cannabis. “I am passionate about the work I do, but I honestly couldn’t afford to keep doing it. Budtending requires research and experience to do well, we’d like to look at it as a long-term opportunity. Joining a union is going to help us make that a reality.”
UFCW Local 1518 represents more than 24,000 members working in the community health, hospitality, retail, grocery, industrial, and professional sectors across British Columbia.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kate Milberry
Press Secretary
UFCW 1518
1-604-526-1518
kmilberry@ufcw1518.com