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 forming a union with UFCW 1518 in 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:

1. Improved Staffing Levels: A minimum of two staff members will be on duty daily, with an additional staff member available on weekends

2. Tips: Workers are now allowed to receive tips

3. Full-Time Positions: New Shift Lead positions were created, allowing access to full-time hours

4. New Benefits: All employees will have paid education and bereavement leave, and eligible employees will have access to group health and medical plans

5. Paid Breaks: Employees on 8-hour shifts will enjoy paid breaks

This first agreement represents a significant milestone for workers at Canna Cabana Davie St. and continues to set the bar higher for all workers in the cannabis industry across Canada.

The BC Budtender Union is a growing division of UFCW 1518, which represents more than 28,000 members working in the community health, hospitality, retail, cannabis, industrial, and professional sectors across British Columbia.