Listen to this articleEmployees at a cannabis dispensary in North Brunswick are the latest group of workers in New Jersey’s legalized industry to unionize.
According to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360, staffers at NJ Leaf recently voted to organize as members of the union, which represents cannabis industry workers in dispensaries, labs, manufacturing, processing, delivery and grow facilities across the U.S.
The move comes about two years after the chain’s counterparts in Freehold voted in favor of unionization.
Management at NJ Leaf say they fully endorse the effort to unionize, according to Local 360.
The banner was the first dispensary in the state owned and operated by pharmacists. NJ Leaf’s local footprint also includes a store in Keansburg.
A representative for the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
‘A real say in their industry’s future’
Since New Jersey’s cannabis laws require employers to negotiate in good faith if workers seek union representation, employees at several companies have unionized over the past two-and-a-half years with groups such as UFCW Local 152, Teamsters Local 469 and UFCW Local 360.
Hugh Giordano, UFCW Local 360‘s director of organizing, said, “This vote reflects what we’re seeing across the state: cannabis workers know their value, and want a real say in their industry’s future. Workers take pride in their expertise, in great customer relationships, and in developing a safe, responsible and sustainable cannabis marketplace. The choice to stand with Local 360 is a major step toward long-term success for them, and for NJ Leaf.”
Giordano noted that employees “in the cannabis industry understand that sustainable success for businesses, employees and communities starts with fair treatment for all parties involved.”
“That idea is what union membership is all about and what has convinced so many industry workers to join Local 360,” he added.
UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. emphasized that the vote comes during a noteworthy year of worker-led progress across the legal marijuana industry.
“We’re ending the year on a remarkably strong note, welcoming another NJ Leaf site into the Local 360 family,” Ferraino said. “Despite the challenges facing cannabis workers, the North Brunswick team’s decision reinforces what we’ve said all along: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities.”
