On May 26, 2026, members of UFCW Local 400 working at the Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Burtonsville, Md., unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement.

The new contract raises their living standards and improves their working conditions. It provides for:

• Guaranteed wage increases over the life of the agreement.
• Protections against members losing their jobs from temporary workers.
• Paid breaks.
• Paid holidays and personal time off.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• A grievance procedure to resolve disputes with management.
• Mandated work week schedule postings.
• Bereavement leave.
• Severance pay.
• Employer matches for workers’ 401(k)s.

After unionizing with UFCW Local 400 in September 2024, Apothecarium workers were pleased to have won a strong agreement. “It feels great to get a contract for everyone at the dispensary,” said bargaining committee member Nick Belton.

“It’s great to work for a company that listens and actively works with the union to hear our needs and try and come to the best possible solution that works for everyone,” said bargaining committee member Samira Wilson. “And a big thanks to our union for being there and checking up on us to make sure that we have everything we need.”

“I congratulate our Apothecarium members on their first collective bargaining agreement,” said UFCW Local 400 President Mark P. Federici. “Their activism and solidarity earned them a contract that improves their lives and strengthens their security.”