Workers at southern California-based cannabis distribution company Amuse on Wednesday voted to join the Teamsters Local 630.
In a statement, Elias Valenzuela Jr., a driver and member of the organizing committee who was previously a member of the United Auto Workers, said that “almost everyone” signed up when organizers first started handing out authorization cards, describing the process as “really quick.”
“People realized that this company isn’t moving with us, and we have to move up. A message I have for other cannabis workers about why they should unionize is corporate greed is still strong and alive, and it’s never going away until we stand up and say enough is enough.” — Valenzuela in a press release
Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region vice president and Food Processing Division director, said the union is expanding its reach among California cannabis distributors because workers see the difference the union makes “firsthand.”
“They recognize the Teamsters is the best union to ensure that they have long-term, prosperous careers in this exciting, burgeoning industry,” he said in a statement.
Lou Villalvazo, Local 630 secretary-treasurer, said the union looks forward to getting the workers “a strong contract that addresses the issues that are important to them – security, regular wage increases, respect, and a voice on the job.”
Teamsters Local 630 represents workers in various industries, from clerical, warehouse, professional drivers, food service, liquor, food processing, and dairy.
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