Approximately 20 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at the Bloc Dispensary in Waretown, N.J., ratified their first union contract on Dec. 19.
The workers, who are employed as patient care advocates and inventory coordinators at the cannabis dispensary, contacted UFCW Local 152 in the summer of 2024 to learn how they could become part of our union. The group voted by majority card check to be represented by UFCW Local 152 later that year, and contract negotiations started shortly thereafter.
After months of negotiations, the three-year contract lays a strong foundation for future negotiations and includes the following fundamental protections:
Job Protection: Members are no longer “at-will” employees, and termination must have just cause.
Grievance Procedure: These workers now have access to a four-step grievance procedure, a formal way for them to raise concerns or complaints about their employer or working conditions.
Seniority: Provisions have been established to recognize workers with more time and experience with the company.
Successorship Language: Workers are now protected in the event of a sale or merger.
The contract also guarantees considerable yearly wage increases, as well as a one-time ratification bonus and store credit for all employees. In addition, the contract secures their affordable health care benefits, recognizes paid holidays and paid sick leave, and guarantees their employee discount.
