Nature’s Medicines Workers in East Wareham, Massachusetts Ratify First Contract

Join us in congratulating the hardworking personal service providers and inventory clerks employed at Nature’s Medicines in East Wareham, Massachusetts, who recently voted to approve their first union contract! The three year-agreement includes:

• Immediate wage increases of up to 15% for employees with 1 year or more of service with additional raises in the second and third year
• Immediate improvement in starting rates for all classifications by over 10% an hour with additional increases in the second and third year
• Newly secured opportunity to earn tips on all debit transactions
• Paid vacations and improved paid sick time
• Additional wage increases for recently hired employees 
• Protected Premium pay on Sundays and Holidays
• Protection of bargaining unit work
• Clothing allowance
• Robust grievance procedure and workplace protections
• Improvement in employee discounts

Thomas Hooper, a lead personal service provider at Nature’s Medicines and a member of the negotiating committee, stated “I reached out to the union to improve the working conditions of my dispensary. Most of my team came together to show that we wanted better and deserved it. I’m so proud of my team for what they’ve done. Unionizing this location will hopefully inspire other locations to improve their working conditions as well.”

Mike Santos, Director of Organizing at UFCW Local 328 stated, “We congratulate the team at Nature’s Medicines on voting to approve their first agreement that secures major gains and protections while helping to set a new standard to move the cannabis industry forward. Additionally, we recognize Nature’s Medicines for negotiating in good faith, listening to their employees, and reaching an equitable agreement in a short timeframe.”

BACKGROUND:

East Wareham, MA – In December 2022, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local Union 328, which represents 11,000 workers in a variety of industries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, announced that the hardworking team of PSP’s (Personal Service Provider) and Inventory Clerks employed at Nature’s Medicines in Wareham, Massachusetts, won their union election after voting 6 to 3 to join UFCW Local 328. The workers formed their union with a focus on gaining higher wages, improving benefits, and securing important workplace protections. Nature’s Medicines workers become the seventh cannabis location to secure a first union contract as members of UFCW Local 328.