Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW is New York’s Cannabis Worker Union
From Seed to Sale, Every Worker Deserves a Union
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.
Setting High Standards for the Industry
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.
Did you know…
…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.
Want more information on the cannabis union difference? Click here to read EPI’s full report.
Phillip Michel
Zoe Greenberg
Housing Works Cannabis Co.
Pablo Ramos
Karly Shanahan
Antoine Gardner
Alon Tov
Meet Our Members
Local 338 cannabis members work at Be., The Botanist, Central Processors of New York (High Peaks), Columbia Care, Curaleaf, Etain, Housing Works Cannabis Co., MedMen, Rise Cannabis, Sunnyside*, Verilife, and Vireo Health. Our members are proud to work in the cannabis industry and are incredibly passionate about their work – putting patients and consumers at the forefront from seed to sale.
Our History Advocating for New York’s Cannabis Industry
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.
Interested in Learning More About New York’s Cannabis Industry?
As part of our mission to create an equitable cannabis industry, we have been working closely with the Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI), an organization devoted to creating fair employment opportunities within New York’s growing cannabis industry. CWI empowers workers and provides training and educational support to those seeking to enter or advance within the cannabis workforce.
They provide access to free pre-employment certificate programs meant to educate jobseekers on the cannabis market and how the industry works from seed to sale. Their goal is to make the cannabis industry accessible to everyone, regardless of background or prior experience, and they have played a critical role in getting the cannabis industry to where it is today. For more information, visit: cannabisworkforce.org.
Ready to Join the Growing Movement of Cannabis Workers?
Have other questions?
Ashley Brown
Housing Works Cannabis Co.
Maelisa Rivera
Ronald Alicea
Zeion Porter
Sara Liles
Michael Francis
Housing Works Cannabis Co.
Murugan Naidu
Irvin Rodriguez
Sunnyside
Shop Union from Seed to Sale!
Local 338 is proud to represent New York’s cannabis workers at the following licensed cannabis companies and union grown and/or made brands:
Dispensaries
Cannabis Brands
• Generic AF
• High Peaks
• Select
• Xbites
• Dog Walkers
• Incredibles
• Rhythm
• &shine
• Matter
• Magnitude
CONTACT US
Send us a note at cannabisrep@local338.org or (516) 591-9349
