On April 4, workers at Root 66 in St. Louis, Mo., made history by becoming the first medical cannabis dispensary in the state to unionize by joining UFCW Local 655.
The eight workers, who are employed as budtenders, joined our union family because they were concerned about the lack of a consistent company policy and proper explanations of workplace policy changes, which left workers feeling unsure how to properly follow policy and get their jobs done. They were also concerned about economic issues and wanted better wages and benefits, including paid time off for sick leave or vacation.
“If there are changes made to policy, we deserve to understand why,” said Prince Israel, a budtender at Root 66. “And right now, it feels like they can just change things whenever they want and that makes it difficult on us. Benefits are also very important to us. We really like what we do, and we want these jobs to be good jobs for all of us.”
“Cannabis workers across the country are voting to join a union because they know it’s the best way to secure good wages and benefits on the job,” said UFCW Local 655 President Dave Cook. “Workers need economic security and fair treatment in the workplace, and cannabis workers are no different. We are committed to helping cannabis workers across Missouri.”