After months of negotiations, members of UFCW Local 152 who work as budtenders and inventory staff at the MPX/iAnthus cannabis dispensary in Atlantic City, N.J., ratified their first union contract on August 23. These workers joined UFCW Local 152 in January.
With the implementation of the new three-year agreement, MPX/iAnthus workers now have basic protections established, including:
- Members are no longer “at-will” employees, meaning the employer must have a legitimate reason to terminate.
- A three-step grievance process, which is a formal procedure for employees to raise concerns or complaints about their employer or working conditions.
- Clear job postings for new and open positions.
- Seniority provisions to recognize senior workers with more time and experience.
- Successorship language in the event of a sale/merger to protect the workers.
Through hard bargaining, the MPX/iAnthus workers now have their affordable health benefits secured, including ancillary benefits (such as vision and dental) that they did not previously receive. Part-time workers will now have vacation time, bereavement leave, and paid holidays — benefits they did not have before this contract. The contract also includes a 30 percent employee discount, additional holidays, and yearly wage increases on top of a one-time $350 ratification bonus.
