We are excited to share that yesterday, September 3, a group of workers at The Healing Side, a cannabis microbusiness in Atlantic City, New Jersey, took a stand and unionized by majority card check!

The Road to Organizing

These budtenders and inventory workers contacted Director of Cannabis Peter White in late July, seeking advice about getting union representation. After some discussion, the workers decided the best course of action was to demand union recognition themselves. Every single worker at the dispensary signed a letter of recognition and on Thursday, August 8, the group presented it to the dispensary owner, demanding formal recognition.

The owner ultimately pushed the workers to follow the labor peace agreement and do a “card check,” where a certified third-party arbitrator verified the interest cards less than a month later. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to witness such a strong act of solidarity!

Labor peace agreements (LPAs) create a clear path for workers to organize. Employers are essentially signing a contract stating they will not interfere with workers wanting to unionize — and will not participate in union-busting.

Local 152 will continue to meet with the workers to draft contract proposals. Finally, we will schedule bargaining dates with the company to negotiate that first contract!

Why not you?

Are you interested in learning more about how UFCW Local 152 can help you and your coworkers? Are you in the cannabis industry and want to learn more about labor peace agreements at your facility? Fill out the Union Interest Form or email Director of Cannabis Peter White at pwhite@ufcwlocal152.org today.