Cannabis workers at the Zen Leaf dispensary in Towson, Md., recently joined UFCW Local 27 for better wages and benefits and a voice in the workplace.
The company did not agree to voluntarily recognize the union when the workers served the boss with the petition, so an election was ordered by the National Labor Relations Board. This organizing win marks the second unit of cannabis workers in Maryland to join UFCW Local 27 this year. Cannabis workers at the PharmaCann Verilife Dispensary in Westminster joined the local in June.
“My coworkers and I love working at Zen Leaf and contributing to its incredible success,” said Ott Randall, a cannabis consultant at the dispensary. “We know that by forming our union we will have the opportunity to negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, and fair scheduling policies. By starting our union, we will be able to better serve our customers, our patients, our families, and our communities.”
“We were inspired by other cannabis workers in Maryland who have joined the UFCW and made real change at work,” said Mackenzie Malanog, who is also a cannabis consultant at Zen Leaf. “We’re hopeful that we can also inspire other workers to come together and start their unions.”
“We’re very happy that these workers chose to be represented by UFCW Local 27,” said UFCW Local 27 President Jason Chorpenning. “I’m very proud to welcome them to our union family, and we will negotiate the best contract possible for the workers and their families. I also want to congratulate Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President Nelson Hill and his organizing team for a job well done.”