Over 25 workers at the High Profile cannabis dispensary in Columbia, Mo., joined UFCW Local 655 on Dec. 15.
These workers voted unanimously to join our union because of concerns about insufficient wages and benefits. They also wanted a voice in the workplace.
The campaign to organize these workers included in-person and Zoom meetings and Whatsapp group chats for the entire group. UFCW Local 655 organizers also called, texted, and had check-ins with the workers; held worker-led pre-negotiating meetings; and circulated a worker petition listing all the workers who were planning to vote “yes” prior to the election for transparency purposes. The workers also wore visible union buttons and stickers throughout the campaign.
“Never in my 37 years working on staff and organizing have I had a unanimous board vote,” said UFCW Local 655 President David Cook. “By a vote of 25 to zero, these workers supported unionizing with UFCW Local 655. The employer challenged six worker votes, but they were our supporters too, and it would have been 31 to zero. This industry of workers knows what they want at the work site and that is union representation with UFCW Local 655, and we are happy to work for them to improve their lives. Local 655 is rolling in the cannabis industry in Missouri!”
UFCW Local 655 also represents workers at the Shangri-La cannabis dispensary in Columbia.