WORKERS VOTE TO UNIONIZE IN FIRST-EVER ELECTION FOR ARIZONA CANNABIS AGRICULTURE WORKERS

During the first quarter, workers at the Trulieve Cannabis Corp (Trulieve) central Phoenix production facility voted 37 to 4 in favor of unionizing with UFCW Local 99.

The successful union election at Trulieve Magnolia is the first for Arizona agricultural workers in the cannabis industry, and only the second-ever union election to be administered by the Arizona Agricultural Labor Relations Board (AERB). Established in 1993, the AERB’s statutes are patterned after the National Labor Relations Act, which specifically excludes agricultural workers from its jurisdiction. The last and only time workers petitioned for union recognition through the board was in the year 2000 when workers at the Eurofresh tomato hothouse in Willcox voted to join UFCW Local 99.

“Today, employees of Trulieve Magnolia have proved that no matter the obstacle, when working people stand together in solidarity and demand better for themselves and their families, there is nothing they cannot achieve,” said Jim McLaughlin, President of UFCW Local 99. “As we celebrate this historic win for workers, I would also like to commend AERB Executive Secretary Lisa James and the entire board for their commitment to ensuring a free and fair election for all eligible employees.”

FIRST CANNABIS CONTRACT IN CONNECTICUT RATIFIED

Earlier this year, workers represented by UFCW Local 919 at Advanced Grow Labs (AGL) in West Haven made history and voted unanimously to ratify their union contract – the very first union cannabis contract in the state. The three-year agreement includes guaranteed wage increases of up to 25 percent over three years, increased holiday pay, secured retirement and health insurance, increased safety measures, and on the job protection.

“I am proud to be a part of the first cannabis union in Connecticut,” said AGL Production Technician Alanna Daniels. “This has been a huge milestone for the industry in the state and our company. I hope other workers can come together like we have.”

“It feels good to be represented and to have a contract that will secure our jobs,” said AGL Laboratory Technician Amber Sampiere. “This is a new and developing industry and we are at the forefront of creating a better future for cannabis workers.”

“The workers at Advanced Grow Labs made history by negotiating and ratifying the very first cannabis contract in Connecticut,” said Director of Organizing, Emily Sabo. “We know their hard work will inspire more workers to form their unions and pave the way for a better Connecticut cannabis industry.”

These workers join the thousands of other cannabis workers across the country who have formed their union with the UFCW and are ratifying union contracts.

CANNABIS RESCHEDULING

In April, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) moved to reclassify mairjuana as a Schedule III drug, in line with drugs such as ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids. President Biden announced his support for the measure soon after.

Reacting to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s recommendation to the White House, UFCW International President Marc Perrone said, “Rescheduling does not alleviate the need for legislation that would completely deschedule cannabis, provide industry guardrails, and establish protections for workers…This move benefits cannabis business owners who will receive a tax cut. Meanwhile, the over 400,000 workers in this growing industry will still face the same challenges and obstacles that they do now, including lacking access to full banking services and resources for job training and facing barriers in acquiring citizenship.”

“The UFCW firmly believes that any cannabis policy, whether it’s rescheduling or completely descheduling, should mitigate the damage done to those who have been harmed by past cannabis policy and uplift those who work to keep the industry profitable and running.” Perrone added.

NEW REPORT FINDS AMERICANS VALUE WORKERS, SOCIAL EQUITY IN FUTURE CANNABIS POLICIES

In May, leading drug policy think tank Parabola Center for Law and Policy released a report based on a study conducted by RTI International, an independent nonprofit research institute, analyzing the opinions of American voters on cannabis legalization titled American Values and Beliefs About Marijuana Legalization.

The report states that 73 percent of Americans think cannabis legalization should benefit workers in the cannabis industry and 63 percent of Americans think that cannabis legalization should benefit those harmed by past enforcement of cannabis laws.

The top priorities of those surveyed said that they care about: social equity (68 percent), ending arrests (68 percent), and having access to cannabis (65 percent).

“The fact is, most Americans believe in what we at the UFCW have been fighting for for well over a decade: good union jobs that ensure equity within the growing cannabis industry,” UFCW International President Marc Perrone said. “As America’s cannabis union, the UFCW remains committed to ensuring that cannabis work reflects what Americans truly want: an industry that uplifts workers and helps their communities.”