Workers at the Friendly Stranger aren’t strangers anymore as they vote yes to join UFCW Local 175

On April 28, 2024, workers at the Friendly Stranger in Dundas, Ontario, voted in favour of joining UFCW Local 175.

Retail cannabis workers often face discrimination, unfair treatment, and favouritism and although it seems to be a budding industry, things are far from friendly.

“The cannabis industry is tough. Workers in retail cannabis don’t seem to be valued by their employers for the extensive knowledge and expertise they bring to the workplace,” said Kelly Tosato, President of UFCW Local 175.

Cannabis workers and the cannabis industry are one of the sectors that UFCW Locals 175 & 633 has been actively organizing since the workers at Canna Cabana (Hamilton) first became certified Union members in April 2020. In fact, our Local Union was the first Union to organize workers at a Cannabis retail store front in Ontario. Learn more about their first Collective Agreement.

Changing the way the cannabis industry treats its budtenders will take work. But these workers, like others before them, are leading the way in making those positive changes. These workers have invaluable knowledge and experience, are strong and dedicated to their careers, and are here to stay. And UFCW Locals 175 & 633 will be there ensuring they have the best representation, and superb collective agreements.

Welcome to our newest members at The Friendly Stranger!

Learn more about why budtenders are joining our Union!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW OUR UNION CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR WORKING LIFE?

Find out more about Just Cause Protection, Salary Stability, and more.

Read more about other recent organizing victories for working people across the province!

Are you ready to find out more and want to talk to one of our Organizers? Send them an email at organizing@ufcw175.com or give them a call at 1-800-565-8329. All your conversations with our Organizers are confidential.

Plus, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages. We feature our Members and Stewards at work and in the community, and much more! You can also follow us on Twitter too!