The BC Budtenders Union grew larger today after workers at Burnside Buds voted to join UFCW 1518.

Burnside Buds has one location in Victoria, where they have served cannabis to the public for several years.

The workers voted unanimously to join the BC Budtender Union, a division of UFCW 1518.

Initially, workers at Burnside Buds reached out to UFCW 1518 in late 2021, seeking more respect and better working conditions.

After the successful union vote, UFCW 1518 made an immediate impact at Burnside Buds. The union brought the case of a fired union supporter to the BC Labour Relations Board. As a result, the worker won his job back. It is illegal to fire an employee for supporting or voting for a union.

Over the next few months, the union and workers will begin negotiating with the company on workplace changes. In the past, BC BUD members have won higher wages, training and certification, and other major improvements to their workplaces. For example, workers at nearby Clarity Cannabis negotiated employer-paid Cannabis Sommelier training, among other major improvements.

Budtenders at Burnside Buds are looking forward to beginning the bargaining process and fighting for fairness at work.

If you are a budtender and you would like to find out how to join UFCW 1518 and improve your job, check out ufcw1518.com/cannabis.