In the ongoing bargaining saga between unionized cannabis workers at Eaze, represented by UFCW Locals 5, 135, 324, and 770, and their company, have reached a breaking point. Negotiations for a statewide master agreement have hit a snag, prompting workers to take action.
Frustrated by the sluggish pace of negotiations, members of the Eaze bargaining committee have banded together to collect signatures on a petition. The petition, delivered to all 23 members of Eaze’s board of directors and corporate leadership on February 21, articulates three critical demands:
- Restore the Mileage Rate: Increase the reimbursement rate for drivers back to the IRS standard of $0.67 per mile.
- Ensure Wage Progressions: Guarantee wage progressions above the minimum wage to reflect the evolving cost of living.
- Demand Transparency: Insist on the presence of a decision-maker at the bargaining table to facilitate open and fair negotiations.
The catalyst for this petition stems from Eaze’s unilateral decision last May to slash the reimbursement rate for drivers to a meager $0.39 per mile. Adding insult to injury, the company has obscured the calculation of this variable mileage rate by outsourcing it to a third-party entity, leaving drivers in the dark about their true earnings.
Grant Tom, a representative of United Food and Commercial Workers, voices the sentiment shared by many drivers: “The vast majority of Eaze’s 700 California employees are frustrated by the company’s neglect of the expenses associated with driving for Eaze.”
“Over the past year with inflation and costs going up on driving, Eaze management shouldn’t be trying to underpay the IRS mileage rate, they should be paying it. It’s time for management to listen and take action,” stated Austin Williams, an Eaze driver from Santa Ana, emphasizing the need for fair compensation amidst rising expenses.
Lay Lay Lee-Aquino, a Hometown Heart San Francisco Driver, warns of potential consequences should management ignore their demands. “If management fails to meet the demands outlined in the petition, drivers are prepared to take concerted action, including the possibility of voting for a strike.”
Justin Ogunji, a driver from Venice, encapsulates the essence of their struggle, “We understand the challenges of the legal cannabis industry in California and all that we ask Eaze to do is pay us a fair wage and cover our expenses for delivering their product.”
Kerry McCue, an Eaze driver and shop steward in San Diego, echoes the sentiment: “It’s about time Eaze recognizes our contributions and acknowledges our right to dignity and fair compensation. Eaze can no longer conveniently ignore the fact that our labor makes their profits possible.”
All four UFCW Locals remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the rights of our Eaze members, we stand united in solidarity with these drivers and depot workers. We will continue to push for better contract until their just demands are met, ensuring fair treatment and respect in the workplace.
