Unionized Rhode Island Compassion Center Workers Ratify First Contract
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Unionized Rhode Island Compassion Center Workers Ratify First Contract
“This was a hard-fought victory for Greenleaf workers," said Sam Marvin, Director of Organizing at UFCW Local 328. "Together, they prevailed both at the labor board and at the bargaining table. By speaking up and standing together, they have raised the standards here in Rhode Island for cannabis workers. We applaud the workers at Greenleaf for their dedication and commitment to securing this historic victory.”
UFCW Local 328, the union for 11,000 Rhode Island and Massachusetts workers, says the two-agreement includes:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST- Immediate wage increases for all employees, including up to 22% for employees with 1 year or more of service
- Additional wage increases in the second year
- Immediate improvement in starting rates for all classifications by over $2.00 an hour with an additional increase in the second year
- Paid vacations and improved paid sick time
- Protection of bargaining unit work
- Clothing allowance
- Additional paid holidays
- Protected time and a half on Sunday
- Robust grievance procedure and workplace protections
- Newly secured opportunity to earn tips
- Ratification bonus of $1,000
“This contract sets a tremendous precedent for cannabis workers in Rhode Island, at a time where the industry is undergoing massive changes in preparation for the introduction of recreational sales. Our contract is a powerful statement on the collective power of a united workforce. The workers at Greenleaf would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to UFCW Local 328 for their unwavering support throughout this entire process," said Nicholas Ventetuolo, a delivery driver at Greenleaf and a member of the negotiating committee.
About Vote
Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center becomes the first compassionate care center in Rhode Island to secure a labor peace agreement ahead of recreational sales beginning in December.
According to UCFW:
Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center employees voted 21 to 1 to join UFCW Local 328 in April 2021. In the following months, UFCW Local 328 filed a multitude of unfair labor practices charges with the National Labor Relations Board in response to illegal actions taken by the employer. Additionally, Greenleaf workers went on a one day strike in June 2021 to protest the unjust termination of a co-worker.
After investigations, the NLRB determined that Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center violated workers’ rights and issued consolidated complaints against the company detailing numerous violations. Remedies by the NLRB have included back-pay totaling thousands of dollars for employees and the offer of reinstatement for the fired worker. Additional charges remain pending with further remedies expected.