Cannabis Employee Benefits

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is America’s cannabis Union, the voice for cannabis workers, and a partner offering solutions for the cannabis industry. UFCW represents 1.3 million hard-working professionals who work in the retail, food processing, meat packing, medical, pharmaceutical as well as the cannabis industry.

UFCW represents tens of thousands of cannabis workers across the US and has contracts with hundreds of canna-bis businesses nationwide, from small shops to large operations, from grow to processing to sale. Wherever cannabis is legalized, the UFCW is committed to building a successful industry with a thriving, diverse and skilled workforce. A highly professional legal cannabis industry also offers the benefit of providing workers with transferable skills that are cutting edge to other industries, such as the pharmaceutical and hydro-ponic farming industries.

UFCW Local 1000 has jurisdiction in Oklahoma and North Texas, represent-ing over 13,000 workers in retail gro-cery (Kroger and Homeland Stores), food processing (OK Foods), food ser-vice (Sodexo), the nonprofit sector, and more. Responding to a growing need, Local 1000 is currently working to assist workers and support the can-nabis industry in Oklahoma and is pav-ing the way in Texas in preparation for eventual legalization.

Ricky Burris is the elected President of UFCW Local 1000. “Our organization brings a lot to the table, both for the workers who choose to organize their Union with us, and for the business-es they work for.” Burris said. “We are experts in the cannabis industry, with a deep bench, national presence and contacts, and proven solutions for workers and industry. For example, all workers deserve strong benefits from their job, and good employers want to help provide strong benefits to their em-ployees. We offer solutions for afford-able employee benefits, like access to retirement and health coverage through

Our Union benefit funds, despite barriers to access for the cannabis industry. Jobs that pay better wages and provide better benefits—like the ones we repre-sent—are key to keeping our communi-ties thriving and families out of poverty.” “Our entire UFCW union family has a deep understanding of how to make the cannabis industry work well for every-one involved in it.” Burris continued. “We have a long and proud history of advocacy for workers, their families and the communities they serve in other highly regulated sectors, such as agri-culture, pharmaceutical, distillery man-ufacturing and processing.”

UFCW has strong political connections and influence at the national, state, and local levels, and is committed to lobby-ing for laws and regulations that protect cannabis workers, keep communities safe, and grow the industry. Especial-ly in emerging markets like Oklahoma, the voices of cannabis workers need to be heard.

As one of Local 1000’s political allies in Oklahoma, incoming Oklahoma State House Minority

Leader Cyndi Munson remarked, “My partnership with UFCW Local 1000 has helped me to best represent the needs of my hard-working con-stituents at the Oklahoma State Capi-tol. Over the years, we have ensured workers’ voices are heard by strategiz-ing together ways to elect people to the State Legislature who will stand up for safe working conditions, fight for living wages, and protect the right to orga-nize. As we continue to work together, I know we will make a real difference in the lives of every working Oklahoman.” Local 1000 is partnering with the Yes on 820 campaign in Oklahoma, offering resources and expertise. The Union believes SQ 820 will grow the industry while protecting existing MM business-es.

“We are committed to helping pass SQ 820 in 2023,” said President Burris, “and will be in position to help guide im-plementation after it passes.”

He went on, “Any cannabis workers in-terested in organizing, we invite you to give us a call. Likewise, any industry leaders or owners who want to learn more, we are open.”

Scan QR to set up a meeting with Local 1000 Organizer Joe about organizing with UFCW.

UFCWAmerica’s Cannabis Union,

The voice for cannabis workers, and a partner offering solutions for the cannabis industry. Partnership with UFCW offers:

Access to affordable employee benefits like health care and retirement plans

Nationally recognized industry specific training programs

Expertise in workplace safety (working conditions)

A political and policy powerhouse –deep connections nationally, regionally, and locally

A healthy, strong, and growing business