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

On this day ten years ago, a group of grocery workers lined up at the ballot box and cast their votes . Kroger had opened Main & Vine, a new concept store, just a few weeks prior, and the workers already knew one thing for certain: they wanted to be a union store . One overwhelming "yes" vote later, their new UFCW 367 membership instantly improved their wages and pay scale . The most significant impact, however, was still to come. Less than two years after that fateful vote, Kroger decided its experiment was over and closed Main & Vine. The company's gamble did not pay off, but the employees' vote had . UFCW 367's collective bargaining agreement protected their right to work, allowing them to transfer to surrounding Kroger stores with no loss of pay or seniority . Now, a decade later, federal statistics show that their wages have stayed 16% higher than those of their non-union counterparts and exceed the national average union wage premium. In a country where only 10% of private workers still have access to a defined benefit plan, their retirements are shielded from stock market volatility and economic downturns . Unlike 401(k) retirement plans, their union pensions are a wellspring of financial stability that will never run dry. While healthcare costs have continued to rise, the health of their families has been protected, with union premiums that are 83% less expensive than the average out-of-pocket premium for Washington families . It wasn't the luck of the Irish on that Saint Patrick's Day, but the foresight of those hard-working employees. Their thoughtful decision a decade ago has paid off with a lifetime of security .

The UFCW is about workers coming together to build better lives for themselves.  It is about creating opportunity.  That is why each year the UFCW Charity Foundation awards several scholarships of up to $12,000 each to UFCW members or their unmarried dependents under the age of 20.  UFCW employed officers, staff, and their immediate families are not eligible. Past scholarship winners have gone on to make significant contributions to society and to the UFCW—entering a range of fields, including public service, medicine, law, business, and teaching. Many have returned to the UFCW as staffers, organizers, and community activists who contribute to our mission The scholarship application will be available online from February 9, 2026 – May 10, 2026

Across the South Sound, workers are standing up for better wages, safer workplaces, and respect on the job. But real change doesn’t happen on its own—it happens when workers organize together. That’s why South Sound Rising  launched the South Sound Organizing School , a hands-on training program designed to help workers, union members, and community leaders learn the skills needed to organize workplaces, build campaigns, and win real improvements on the job. Whether you’re new to organizing or looking to strengthen your skills, the program provides practical tools participants can immediately put into action. Build Worker Power: Skills You'll Learn The labor movement grows when workers organize. From having meaningful conversations with coworkers to building strong organizing committees, these skills are the foundation of winning better standards for working people. At the South Sound Organizing School, participants will learn strategies used by successful organizers across the labor movement. Participants will learn how to: Have effective organizing conversations with coworkers Identify workplace leaders and build organizing committees Map power in a workplace or community Develop campaign strategies that win real change Use storytelling and digital tools to grow movements These are practical skills that help workers improve working conditions and strengthen the labor movement across the South Sound. Spring 2026 Curriculum The Spring session is divided into two tracks: Level I — Foundations  and Level II — Advanced Concepts , allowing participants to build their skills step by step. Level I — Foundations This track introduces the core principles of organizing and worker leadership.   Session Topics March 31 – Traits and Tools of Successful Organizers April 7 – Targeted Organizing April 14 – Conversation Models & Leader ID April 21 – Deep Organizing April 30 – Lessons Learned from Jane McAlevey (Organizing Roundtable) These sessions provide the fundamental skills needed to begin organizing in your workplace or community. Level II — Advanced Concepts After learning the basics, participants will explore deeper organizing strategies and campaign-building techniques. ​ Session Topics May 14 – Organizing in a Digital Age May 19 – Organizing Workers and Raising Standards with the Workers’ Bill of Rights May 26 – Deep Canvassing & Narrative Storytelling June 2 – Inside Organizing Strategies (Salting) June 9 – Organizing Roundtable These sessions focus on the tools organizers use to build momentum, win campaigns, and g row worker power. Evening Sessions in Olympia and Tacoma Classes are designed with working people in mind. Sessions begin at 6:00 PM  and run approximately 90–120 minutes . Participants will connect with other workers and activists from across the South Sound who are committed to strengthening worker power and building a stronger labor movement. To keep discussions meaningful and interactive, space in each session is limited. REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY If you're ready to learn how to organize, build worker power, and strengthen the labor movement in the South Sound, we encourage you to register today. Seats are limited and filling quickly. Together, we can build stronger workplaces, stronger unions, and stronger communities.

UFCW Local 367 submitted updated redlines to Metropolitan Market today for review. Over the past several months, UFCW Local 367  and Metropolitan Market  have met multiple times to discuss proposed conceptual language changes for both the grocery and meat agreements. We will share additional updates once we receive a response from the Employer. Members can review the redlines submitted earlier today using the links below: 👇Grocery Redline 👇Meat Redline

Tacoma, WA — January 9, 2026 — Workers at The Herbal Gardens in Tacoma have voted to form a union with UFCW Local 367, Washington’s original Cannabis Union. The workers won their union election on Friday, January 9. Workers said they organized to gain stability and a sense of security in an industry that has seen rapid change and ongoing uncertainty. By forming a union, they now have a collective voice at work and the ability to negotiate together over wages, benefits, scheduling, and working conditions. “This was about protecting ourselves and having a real say at work,” said one THG worker. “We want stability and respect for the work we do.” UFCW has been involved in Washington’s cannabis industry from the very beginning. The union supported the passage of Initiative 502, which legalized recreational cannabis in Washington and has continued to advocate for worker protections as the industry developed. With the election complete, workers at The Herbal Gardens will begin the process of negotiating their first union contract. UFCW Local 367 is encouraging all cannabis workers — from seed to sale — including cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail workers, to learn about their right to organize. Cannabis workers interested in forming a union can confidentially reach out to an organizer with UFCW Local 367 to talk about their workplace and next steps.