Workers at Greenway Compassionate Relief  in Santa Cruz, California have voted overwhelmingly to join UFCW Local 5!

Greenway is the oldest and largest medical cannabis dispensary in Santa Cruz, and will now be part of the UFCW’s Medical Cannabis and Hemp Division.  A “card-check” election took place on November 15 in an atmosphere of optimism and solidarity between the union, the Greenway workers and its management.  Now, workers are preparing to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. The employer involved in the election voluntarily agreed to remain neutral and agreed to abide by the wishes of the workers to become union which was demonstrated by employees signing union authorization cards.

The medical cannabis industry, now in 18 states plus the District of Columbia, is known for its passionate community of workers, patients and business leaders. The UFCW and its members has been working relentlessly to stabilize the industry, bring good jobs to workers and build community based on compassion and common goals. It has become increasingly successful at simultaneously bringing dignity and strength to industry workers and the enterprises they work in.

Ron Lind, President of UFCW Local 5 commented, “The workers involved in this recent organizing drive are dedicated and passionate advocates for their industry. They also want to make sure that their jobs are sustainable and can support a family. The union is here to assist them in that effort”.

“I am very excited to become a UFCW union member, said Greenway employee Willie Kramer, I am proud of the work I do, and now I have an organized voice with other workers who share that pride.”

“We are very pleased to have our employees represented by UFCW,” said Lisa Molyneux, founder of Greenway Compassionate Relief. “This is a win, win relationship for all of us. ”