Cannabis workers at Canna Cabana secure key wins in first contract – UFCW 1518

Vancouver – October 18, 2024 – Earlier this year, workers at Canna Cabana on Davie St., part of a nationwide chain of over 180 cannabis stores across Canada, united and organized under UFCW 1518, fighting back against the distinct challenges of the cannabis industry. As cannabis workers require specialized skills and knowledge to do their work, they deserve respect and fair working conditions.

Since January, UFCW 1518 has been fighting hard at the bargaining table to negotiate a strong first contract. In May, Canna Cabana workers voted unanimously in favour of a strike to show the employer they were united in their fight for a fair contract. The budtenders were ready to fight to ensure adequate levels of staffing at their store. With the threat of job action and after serving strike notice last week, these workers successfully won a landmark first agreement, securing important wins for members at Canna Cabana and setting a new standard for cannabis dispensaries in the Lower Mainland.

“These workers stood together and were united in their fight for a fair contract by delivering a 100% strike vote,” said UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson. “United, the committee returned to the bargaining table with a strong mandate and won significant improvements, including new full-time positions, adequate staffing levels, paid breaks, and benefits.”

Key highlights from the newly ratified contract include improved staffing levels, new benefits, paid breaks and more.

Read more about the collective bargaining victory at Canna Cabana Davie St.

UFCW Local 1518 represents more than 26,000 members working in the community health, hospitality, retail, cannabis, industrial, and professional sectors across British Columbia. To read more about UFCW 1518 and its outstanding work, visit the Local Union’s website.

If you are a cannabis worker and would like to know more about the BC Budtenders’ Union, visit their homepage here at  ufcw1518.com/cannabis.