Landmark legislation would protect cannabis workers and codify criminal justice reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents thousands of workers in the cannabis industry, released a statement in support of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker.
UFCW International President Milton Jones said:
“As states across the country legalize cannabis, Congress has the rare opportunity to shape this industry into one that protects workers and rectifies the historical and continuing harms of past policies.
“Building workplace protections, strong wages, and economic opportunities into the cannabis industry ensures that workers and those harmed by the failed ‘War on Drugs’ will benefit from the industry’s growth, which is why we’re proud to support the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act.
“As America’s cannabis union, the UFCW knows that this industry’s success depends on the prosperity of the growers, cultivators, manufacturers, processors, and budtenders who power it. We commend Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker for their leadership on cannabis and their efforts to make this industry home to good, family-sustaining jobs.”
BACKGROUND
- Currently, agricultural workers in the cannabis industry are not federally protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), hampering their efforts to organize and collectively bargain for better working conditions. This legislation would guarantee that all cannabis workers are protected by the NLRA, solidifying crucial protections for workers.
- This bill would also ensure workers are protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. This would help employers limit worksite hazards through the creation of a national workplace safety standard, provide funding for research into the health effects of working in the field, and direct workplace training grants to the industry.
- The Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would also address the far-reaching harms caused by the ‘War on Drugs’ by automatically expunging federal non-violent cannabis offenses and allowing for resentencing, providing funding and incentives for state expungement programs, and limiting the collateral consequences of cannabis use.
- The legislation would also implement industry taxes directed towards creating equity programs for communities negatively impacted by past cannabis policies, as well as promote diversity among cannabis ownership and fund equitable licensing programs in states and local governments.
- The UFCW believes that ensuring cannabis jobs have the highest labor standards is crucial to building this newly formalized industry into one that begins to heal the devastating effects of past policies and support communities in the future.
CONTACT: Finn Storer press@ufcw.org
