Cannabis workers in California have made significant strides in their industry by voting overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing. Last week, nearly 500 employees at STIIIZY, a well-known cannabis dispensary company with locations in Southern California and the Bay Area, ratified a three-year union contract that ensures better wages and benefits.
The new contract includes higher starting hourly wages of $19.50 in Southern California and $20.50 in the Bay Area, which are the highest rates in the cannabis unionized sector. It also provides expanded paid sick leave, increasing the annual amount to 64 hours from the previous 56 hours in Southern California. Additionally, part-time employees are guaranteed health insurance if they work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Andy Lallu, a floor leader at a STIIIZY location in Los Angeles, expressed pride in the agreement, stating that it enhances job satisfaction with better pay and working conditions. He emphasized the importance of the contract in creating a positive work environment without the stress of lengthy labor disputes.
The contract further establishes a formal partnership between the union and STIIIZY, aimed at advocating for stable industry regulations throughout California. It also introduces a more equitable attendance policy designed to reduce employee turnover and maintain service quality at the dispensaries.
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