CANNABIS UNION

UFCW Canada – The Union for Cannabis Workers

As the leading union for cannabis workers, UFCW Canada represents employees at cannabis retail stores, call centres, growing facilities, bakeries, and dispensaries across Ontario and the United States.

Workers at these locations enjoy the protections of a collective agreement and generous hourly wages. For example, at Minnesota Medical Solutions, UFCW members make $33 to $40 dollars an hour as cultivators, while extractors earn $32 to $37 dollars an hour. Thanks to a union contract negotiated by UFCW, trimmers at Natural RX in Oregon are guaranteed $23 to $32 dollars an hour, and cultivators are paid $32 to $48 dollars per hour.

UFCW members working in the cannabis industry have also achieved employer-paid health benefits, pension plan contributions, health and safety improvements, legally-binding job security, and guaranteed annual pay increases.

Across the U.S., UFCW has steadily grown with the cannabis industry to include workers in all seven states that have legalized the production, sale, and distribution of cannabis. Members at these facilities have achieved significant benefits at work, including:

  • Defined benefit pension plans
  • 100% employer-paid health benefits
  • Life insurance, medical leave, personal days, and paid time off
  • Regular pay increases that recognize experience, training, and seniority

Best of all, these benefits are legally protected in union collective agreements.

As the industry has expanded at a rapid pace in a handful of U.S. states, union pay and benefits are now expected by cannabis workers south of the border. As Canada now positions itself to become the world’s largest cannabis producer and distributor, upwards of 150,000 jobs are expected to be created in our cannabis industry. This means that union wages already achieved in collective agreements should represent the starting point for pay and benefits for cannabis workers in Canada. And it makes sense that such a highly profitable industry should provide workers with a defined benefit pension plan and 100 percent employer-paid health benefits. Simply put, cannabis operators owe it to workers to offer high wages, good benefits, and secure jobs. The industry is set to profit massively from legalization, and workers and their families deserve to share in that prosperity.

What are the benefits of joining UFCW Canada?

Just Cause Protection

Just cause protection means job security. You can't be fired or disciplined without a just cause. This is one of the most important protections that UFCW Canada provides to members.

Employees who are not protected by a union can be fired or disciplined at any time, and the employer doesn't need to have a good reason for taking action against them.

Better Wages and Overtime Pay

UFCW Canada members earn roughly 30% more than non-unionized employees doing the same job in the same field. Members also receive overtime pay when they work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, and often receive premiums for working night and afternoon shifts. As well, UFCW members are paid for statutory holidays!

More Paid Vacations and Sick Days

UFCW Canada members enjoy as many as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, compared to non-unionized employees who, on average, receive only 2 weeks of vacation per year.

Members also enjoy an average of 6 to 8 paid sick days per year, and up to 5 paid bereavement days.

Pension Plan & Benefits

UFCW Canada members are able to join the UFCW Pension Plan, one of the largest multi-employer pension plans in Canada. Our union can negotiate matching RRSPs and other benefits, so that when you retire you can collect both your UFCW Pension and the Canada Pension Plan.

Members also have employer-paid prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage for themselves and their families, as well as group discounts on home and life insurance, travel, car rental, legal services, cell phones, and more.

Workplace Free of Harassment

UFCW Canada collective agreements make sure that our members can enjoy a workplace free of harassment, sexual violence, racism, or any other kind of discrimination in their workplace, whether it comes from an employer, a manager, or a colleague.

Health & Safety Training

When it comes to health and safety, UFCW Canada members have the power to speak up without fear of losing their jobs. Educated workers who know their rights have the knowledge needed to improve their lives for the better.

Visit UFCW Canada's webCampus website for more information on health and safety courses for members.


Why should I join UFCW Canada?


How can I join the union?

Joining UFCW Canada is easy and hassle-free.

Text us by clicking on the chat icon located on the bottom right corner of the page.

You can also CALL us toll-free at 1-866-977-0772.

Alternatively, you can REQUEST A CALL from us by filling out our contact information form.


REQUEST A CALL

Contact Information

Optional Information

Remember, all contact with UFCW Canada is treated as strictly confidential.


Media Inquiries

For all media related inquiries, please call 416-675-1104


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