Local 338 has been deeply involved in fighting for a cannabis industry that puts workers at the forefront since before the Compassionate Care Act in 2013. We worked with leaders, scientists, advocates, and workers from across the cannabis industry to understand the needs and issues of its workforce and help craft legislation like the Compassionate Care Act and Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).
We have spent the years following the passage of the Compassionate Care Act advocating to expand patient access to medical cannabis and creating the framework for the adult-use industry, so it includes clear protections for working people, with opportunities for communities to thrive. When we fought for the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act, we knew that it had to serve all communities across New York, which is why we advocated for the creation of a social equity and community reinvestment fund and criminal justice reforms for workers by sealing and expunging conviction histories. New York’s cannabis industry is one that will benefit all working people, regardless of their background.
In the time since the MRTA has been passed, we are continuing to fight for regulations and policies that ensure cannabis is an equitable industry that creates opportunities for workers and communities alike.
We proudly represent workers across New York State who work in both medical and adult-use cannabis. From cultivation and processing facilities, to your local dispensary, cannabis workers in this growing industry are taking advantage of the union difference and organizing with Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW.
Since New York’s medical cannabis program officially launched in 2015, Local 338 has been working hard to ensure that the jobs in the cannabis industry set a standard for what cannabis careers can and should be.
We have negotiated union contracts that provide our cannabis members with guaranteed wage increases, full-time guarantees, paid time off, premium healthcare benefits (paid for by the employer) for workers and their families, access to retirement savings and on-the-job training, amongst other invaluable workplace protections.
…that unionized cannabis workers can earn higher wages with regular, guaranteed wage increases? Unionized cannabis workers can earn between $2,810 – $8,690 more annually, depending on where they’re employed in the supply chain. (source: EPI Study)
…that Local 338’s cannabis members get free healthcare? Our current contracts include quality medical coverage for the member and their family – the company covers the cost, so the member is only responsible for copays and deductibles.
…that unionized cannabis workers have guaranteed paid time off? Members are guaranteed to receive paid sick time, vacation time, and holidays throughout the year.
