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Medical cannabis workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1189 unanimously ratified a new, three-year Agreement with their employer, Minnesota Medical Solutions (a Vireo Company).
The ratification took place Thursday, Jan. 12, the union announced.
“We were really pleased to be able to recommend this offer to our members,” said Jennifer Christensen, president of Local 1189. “It is a fair settlement that will ensure that the company is able to recruit and retain exceptional workers. This is important not just for our members, but for the medical cannabis patients in Minnesota.
“What is really important is the employer’s commitment to full-time living wage union jobs. Part-time jobs do exist but as business expands and hours become available those jobs are transformed into full-time. Minnesota Medical Solutions is leading the way nationally, and it shows in the quality of products and services that our members provide for the people of Minnesota.”
The pact includes annual wage increases for all employees, progression increases, additional pay for new lead positions, premiums when training new employees, and an expansion of the current wage scale to provide greater opportunities for workers to enter the industry.
The employer agreed to pay the increase in the cost of health insurance and will continue to pay the full premium through 2017 (Employees will begin contributing $5/week toward the Union’s Health and Welfare Plan in 2018 (eligible part-time employes will contribute a lesser rate).
Other positive changes were a move to PTO, holiday increases, mileage and travel time reimbursements, and the inclusion of an additional position in the bargaining unit.
Union Steward Nathan Noel expressed the sentiments of the workers stating, “We are proud and appreciate being able to provide exceptional medical cannabis to our patients in Minnesota.”
UFCW Local 1189 has offices located in South St. Paul and Duluth, representing 10,000 members in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing/processing in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Download a draft copy of the agreement at the Local 1189 website.