Cannabis (De)Unionization: Here's What's New On The Frontlines Of Labor Organizing Among Weed Workers

Employees at Cresco Labs Inc.'s CL CRLBF 6CQ, the Massachusetts-based cannabis cultivation operations voted overwhelmingly to approve their first union contract with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328 more than three years ago. Now, the growers, supervisors and other agricultural workers at Cresco's operations opted to reverse the process.

With their contract nearing the June expiration date, the workers decided to de-unionize, instead of negotiating another organized labor deal, according to documents obtained by MJBizDaily.

Wyatt Brissette, an employee at the Chicago-based multi-state cannabis operator who is behind the movement, said the scheduled wage increases were not in accordance with inflation, while promised benefits were "arguably worse" than for nonunion workers.

"We felt as if (the union) didn't match what we needed," Brissette, who was supported by a majority of his co-workers said. "We were pretty much paying them for nothing."

He also noted that "an overwhelming number of people" were ready to "put it back into Cresco's hands."

Lindsey Dadourian, senior vice president of employee and labor relations at Cresco, praised the move.

"We are very proud that our employees in Fall River have signaled their trust in Cresco by choosing to work directly with us," Dadourian told MJBizDaily."We will continue to support our employees while also working to maintain positive and productive relationships with the local unions that continue to represent some of our employees elsewhere."

Curaleaf Amidst Arizona Workers’ Rally

Meanwhile, employees at Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.'s CURA CURLF store in Phoenix, Arizona joined a 4/20 protest on Saturday, organized by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 99 at a company store on East Camelback Road near North Seventh Street. The protesters asked for safer working conditions, full-time employment and a living wage, reported Arizona Central.

According to a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling, Curaleaf "refused and neglected" to acknowledge the union and work on a contract. The New York-based multi-state cannabis operators have appealed the ruling in the federal court.

In a letter to the company’s labor relations manager, Ryan Gonsalves, protesters warned of alleged misinformation related to the bargaining process and increase in salaries.

“The Union only asks that Curaleaf give notice of the raises and an opportunity for the Union to quickly review the proposal for any issues, such as fairness," the letter stipulates. "Of course, the Union and Curaleaf may agree to future raises through bargaining, but Curaleaf employees have gone long enough without a pay increase."

See also: Cannabis Unionization Efforts Continue To Grow Across Several States, MA And Cal The Latest