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Union-organized SolidariWeed is first of its kind in Canada

Published on May 17, 2024 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed

The union that has been signing up cannabis workers in BC is putting on an event called SolidariWeed in Victoria next month.

SolidariWeed is a one-day festival on June 15 for workers in the cannabis industry.

“We’re inviting guest speakers, entertainment, and will be doing workshops all tailored to build worker power and a just cannabis industry in BC,” a spokesperson for UFCW 1518 said by email.

“To our knowledge, this is the first union-led cannabis event in Canada and should be pretty innovative.”

At last count, the local’s budtenders division represented about 129 workers at 17 locations in BC.

“The BC Bud Union has paved the way for better wages and working conditions,” the event website says.

Information and registration is available at ufcw1518.com/solidariweed.

It takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kwench, 2031 Store St.

The event is proceeding even as the United Food and Commercial Workers’ local goes through a major shakeup following the death of president Kim Novak.