Six sessions in and the most substantial thing their employer (The Herbal Gardens) has managed to agree to? The Union Board. Sometimes all you can do is laugh. Elizabeth and Brendan have a question for their employer ...and some notes.

The Tacoma Longshoremen Credit Union bargaining committee wrapped up contract bargaining on June 2nd, reaching a tentative agreement with their employer in just two sessions. The bargaining committee secured 5–6% year over year wage increases, clarified scheduling language, and protected the benefits that make their credit union an industry-leading employer. With entirely employer-paid medical premiums and 6% employer pension contributions, the TLCU contract sets the standard for the industry in the region. Complete member participation on the committee, paired with an employer willing to engage in good faith, made for an efficient process. The ratification vote will be scheduled soon. Congratulations to the TLCU bargaining committee!

Brendan and Elizabeth, members of the THG bargaining committee, have an update and a question...do they need to file another ULP? If you partake, make certain to swing by their store and show them your support! If you work in local cannabis (retail or grow) and want to learn about organizing your workplace, message us privately to confidentially connect with an organizer.

Tacoma Longshoremen Credit Union members opened contract bargaining on May 26th with a promising first session. The bargaining committee presented a comprehensive proposal that included significant wage increases and the continuation of essential benefits. The employer engaged in good faith and the two sides are off to a collaborative start. The next session is already scheduled for June 2nd, stay tuned!

On May 26th, the South Bend Pharmacy bargaining committee presented a counter-proposal confronting a serious underpayment in wages. Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy Assistants/Sales are highly skilled workers who deserve compensation that reflects their experience and knowledge. The bargaining committee's tenure-based wage scale proposal was rejected outright and the employer's representative proposed 50-cent annual raises, an unserious offer that does not keep pace with cost-of-living increases and leaves some members barely above minimum wage.

Delegates voting at COPE 2026 Delegates from UFCW 367, both members and staff, gathered with delegates representing 650 local unions for the WSLC Committee on Political Education on May 16th to vote on political endorsements for the 2026 elections. The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO’s endorsements require a two-thirds majority vote of delegates, a high bar that can only be cleared by candidates or initiatives with overwhelming support from the state's labor movement. Ranked fourth in the nation for union membership, Washington's workers speak with one voice — and they decide who wins. Read more about the committee and who earned an endorsement in the following link:

Brendan, a member of the THG bargaining committee, has a contract negotiation update. The bargaining committee is united in fighting for a sustainable future and will be meeting again with the company on May 28th. If you partake, make certain to swing by their store and show them your support! If you work in local cannabis (retail or grow) and want to learn about organizing your workplace, message us privately to confidentially connect with an organizer.

The third THG contract bargaining session happened today. Elizabeth, a member of the bargaining committee, gave an update. If you partake, make certain to swing by their store and show them your support! If you work in local cannabis (retail or grow) and want to learn about organizing your workplace, message us privately to confidentially connect with an organizer.

Tacoma, WA (April 9th, 2026) —  Workers at the Herbal Gardens in Tacoma had their first bargaining session after voting to unionize in January. "It's nice to see all of the work and planning come to fruition so it is very exciting to be here," said Brendan in anticipation of the negotiations, "I did a lot of research beforehand, so I am pretty ready to go." The workers originally started organizing because they wanted stability and job security in a still-maturing industry. This bargaining session is the next step in taking ownership of their careers, shaping their collective future and prioritizing what matters most to them. The lack of transparency around policy enforcement and concerns over predatory surveillance discipline are at the top of their non-economic concerns. As Elizabeth, another long-standing employee, said "I think all employees should be treated equally and fairly. What we're doing here will ensure that." Since legalization in Washington, UFCW Local 367 has advocated for recreational cannabis workers — cultivation, processing, and retail — across the South Sound. They are fighting for the vertical integration of sustainable careers from seed to sale. "It's nice to see how organized UFCW 367 has been through the whole thing. It's nice being around professionals, for sure," reflected Brendan after their last bargaining committee meeting. Any cannabis workers interested in forming a union should confidentially reach out to a UFCW Local 367 organizer to discuss their options.

UFCW members and their families now have access to a life-changing opportunity —three full-ride college scholarships designed to remove financial barriers and invest in the future of working families. Through a new program announced by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union , these scholarships cover the full cost of earning a college degree and are open to eligible UFCW members and their families. Deadline: May 22, 2026 What the UFCW Full-Ride Scholarships Include These scholarships go beyond traditional financial aid—they are 100% full-ride opportunities , meaning selected recipients will receive: Full tuition coverage Free textbooks Flexible online degree programs The option to attend school full-time or part-time Recipients will be able to earn either an associate or bachelor’s degree, with flexible scheduling designed for working people and union families. Three Scholarship Opportunities UFCW is awarding three unique full-ride scholarships , each focused on building the future of the labor movement: Unity & Solidarity Scholarship  – For students committed to strengthening worker power and collective action Next Generation Scholarship  – For emerging leaders ready to step up in their workplaces and communities Bridge to Opportunity Scholarship  – For members or family looking to advance their careers or return to school These scholarships are about more than education—they are an investment in union leadership and long-term opportunity.    Who Is Eligible? These scholarships are available to: UFCW members Family members of UFCW members (including dependents and relatives) UFCW has a long-standing commitment to supporting education for union families, with scholarship programs that prioritize: Academic achievement Community involvement Commitment to labor values Apply Now – Don’t Miss This Opportunity If you or someone in your family is thinking about college, this is a rare opportunity to earn a degree with zero tuition costs. Application Deadline: May 22, 2026