{"id":37733,"date":"2025-01-21T11:45:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T11:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=37733"},"modified":"2025-01-21T11:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T16:45:36","slug":"whats-going-on-with-cannabis-labor-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/whats-going-on-with-cannabis-labor-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s Going On With Cannabis Labor Laws?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oregon\u2019s cannabis industry faced a big question last November: should it be easier for cannabis workers to unionize? That\u2019s what <\/span>Ballot Measure 119<\/span><\/a> is all about: a law that requires cannabis businesses to allow employees the chance to unionize without interference. Union support could bring much-needed protections to an industry known for rapid growth and unique challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll dive into what this measure will mean for workers, why unions are pushing for change, and <\/span>how cannabis labor unions are transforming the workforce<\/span><\/a> across the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

Background on Labor Unions in the U.S.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Labor unions in the U.S. have a long history rooted in protecting workers from dangerous and unfair work conditions. According to <\/span>the latest estimates<\/span><\/a> by the <\/span>Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/span><\/i>, in 2023, around 14.4 million U.S. workers, or approximately 10% of the nation\u2019s wage and salary workforce, were union members.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the early days of industrialization, workers often faced long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments without any way to voice their concerns. To address these issues, groups of workers started organizing into unions, creating a united front to demand better conditions, wages, and benefits. This push led to significant changes, including the <\/span>introduction of labor laws<\/span><\/a> designed to safeguard worker rights.<\/span><\/p>\n

A key <\/span>turning point came in 1935<\/span><\/a> with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which gave private-sector workers the legal right to unionize, strike, and collectively bargain for fair working conditions. This law transformed the American workforce by giving employees more power to negotiate the terms of their employment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years, unions have used this power to secure various benefits like health insurance, pensions, and safety standards across industries. Today, unions continue advocating for safe work environments, fair wages, and other essential protections for their members.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Ballot Measure 119?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ballot Measure 119, known as the \u201cUnited for Cannabis Workers Act,\u201d sets a new licensing requirement for cannabis businesses in Oregon.<\/span> It was passed in November 2024 and mandates<\/span><\/a> that cannabis processing and retail operations agree to a \u201clabor peace agreement\u201d with the union as a prerequisite for obtaining a permit from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. These agreements are designed to prevent employers from blocking any unionizing efforts and allow employees to freely choose whether or not they want to join a union without fear of intimidation or backlash.<\/span><\/p>\n

Labor peace agreements are already a fixture in other states with established cannabis industries. For example, California, New York, and New Jersey have similar requirements in place, providing a framework for the fair treatment of cannabis workers and setting the stage for Oregon to follow suit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After passing Ballot Measure 119, Oregon has joined these states in upholding the rights of cannabis employees to organize, strengthen the protection of workers, and foster fair, safe, and supportive work environments across the industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Support for Ballot Measure 119<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ballot Measure 119 had strong support from Oregon\u2019s largest labor union, the <\/span>United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555<\/span><\/a>. By representing thousands of workers across the state, UFCW 555 stands as a leading advocate for cannabis worker rights by pushing for safer conditions and stronger protections. Last year, UFCW 555 invested over $2 million in a signature-gathering campaign to ensure the measure would appear on the ballot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miles Eshaia, a spokesperson for UFCW 555, outlined the unique risks faced by cannabis employees. According to Eshaia, many cannabis workers are exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, including exposure to chemicals and inadequate protective equipment during cultivation and processing tasks. As Eshaia explains<\/a>: “<\/span>We want to make sure our workers are in a safe working environment. We don\u2019t want them to be exposed to toxic chemicals if they don\u2019t need to be. We want to negotiate their own safety and working conditions because that\u2019s only fair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, for some workers, voicing concerns about safety or unfair practices can result in intimidation or even job loss.\u00a0<\/span>Eshaia further suggests that union support is essential to creating safe, fair working conditions in the cannabis industry and that it is past time for Oregon\u2019s cannabis workers to receive the same protections that have long benefited other sectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Unionizing Cannabis Workers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Unionizing cannabis workers will bring a range of benefits extending well beyond fair wages. In industries where unions are present, employees often gain access to safer working environments, comprehensive health benefits, and better job security. This is key because historically, all those factors have been difficult to access in fields that are still in their infancy — like cannabis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other states with unionized cannabis markets reveal the new advantages for Oregon workers. In places like California, unionized cannabis employees have successfully negotiated for health insurance and achieved wage increases, providing stability and security that can be hard to come by in a rapidly evolving industry. For example, the UFCW has helped its members secure annual raises, employer-subsidized health insurance, and additional benefits that attract skilled workers and reduce turnover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, unionizing could also help enhance the overall legitimacy and professionalism of Oregon\u2019s cannabis industry. By establishing consistent standards for worker safety, fair pay, and benefits, the industry can continue to transition away from the shadow of unregulated markets and establish itself as a respected industry in Oregon.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Opponents Of Ballot Measure 119 Had To Say<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While Ballot Measure 119 received strong support from labor advocates, it also raised concerns among some Oregon business groups and industry leaders. Organizations like <\/span>Oregon Business and Industry (OBI)<\/span><\/a>, a leading business lobbying group, voiced reservations about the measure due to potential conflicts with federal law. Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, some worry that mandating labor agreements within the industry could lead to legal issues and exacerbate the regulatory challenges the industry already faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

For some cannabis business owners, the requirement to sign labor peace agreements brought additional worry. Industry leaders cautioned against the measure because it could lead to expensive legal action and excessive regulation, which would burden businesses that are still figuring out the unique challenges of the legal cannabis market. Complicated legal requirements could also make it difficult for employers to participate in union agreements on equal terms, creating financial difficulties, especially for smaller operators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Getlin, chair of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, expressed concern about the risk of overregulation. While Getlin acknowledges the importance of fair treatment for employees, he worries that additional requirements could push some businesses into unsustainable territory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, he challenges the notion that Oregon facilities are dangerous, <\/span>stating<\/span><\/a>: <\/span>\u201cThis idea that these are big burly unsafe facilities poorly managed with a bunch of dangerous barrels of chemicals laying around and people walking in and not getting paid. If you\u2019ve ever walked into an OLCC [Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission] license facility, you immediately start to realize how disingenuous that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Among other things, he contends that Oregon should be cautious about creating policies that interfere with balancing workers\u2019 rights alongside the operational needs of cannabis businesses, particularly as the industry is still establishing its roots.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Truth About Unionizing in a Growing Industry<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to the latest industry report by Forbes Business Insights, the cannabis industry is on track to become one of the largest in the U.S., projected to <\/span>reach a staggering $444.34 billion by 2030<\/span><\/a>. As the industry grows, the push for unionization is steadily gaining momentum to ensure that workers are protected and treated fairly. Labor unions are actively working to keep pace with this growth by extending their reach across multiple states and advocating for cannabis employees who want better working conditions and benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The UFCW union <\/span>now represents<\/span><\/a> 290 cannabis dispensaries and 36 grow facilities, and it <\/span>offers its members access to vital resources such as health insurance, retirement pension plans, and guidance on workplace compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n

States with unionized cannabis sectors are already demonstrating the potential benefits for Oregon\u2019s workforce. <\/span>Unionized employees in places like California<\/span><\/a> have gained higher wages, annual raises, and safety improvements to make sure that their jobs come with the protections and perks typical in traditional industries. For Oregon, unionization will help bring these same standards to cannabis workers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Since Ballot Measure 119 passed, it is set to change the course of Oregon\u2019s thriving cannabis industry and set a precedent for labor laws and workplace protections. By requiring labor peace agreements, the measure will influence the dynamics of the industry and encourage workers to unite and negotiate their needs without fear of interference from employers. <\/span>This will undoubtedly lead to safer work environments, fairer wages, and more accessible benefits, making careers in the cannabis industry more attractive and sustainable for more qualified people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, it’s certainly reasonable to assume that Oregon\u2019s decision could also have ripple effects across the country. Given the rapid growth of the cannabis market, other states may look to Oregon as a blueprint for union-friendly policies for cannabis businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In states where similar measures are already in place, such as <\/span>California<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>New York<\/span><\/a>, unionization has brought positive changes to workers\u2019 rights and job security.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the goals of unions like the UFCW are clear: to make sure cannabis workers have access to safe working conditions, living wages, and benefits that are important to their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Oregon\u2019s cannabis industry faced a big question last November: should it be easier for cannabis workers to unionize? That\u2019s what Ballot Measure 119 is all about: a law that requires cannabis businesses to allow employees the chance to unionize without interference. Union support could bring much-needed protections to an industry known for rapid growth and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":37737,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[254,255],"tags":[17533,17535,17532,17531,17534,17536,1833,6866,13329],"class_list":["post-37733","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-news","tag-ballot-measure-119","tag-cannabis-employees","tag-cannabis-labor-laws","tag-cannabis-union","tag-cannabis-workers","tag-employee-protection","tag-oregon","tag-unions","tag-workers-rights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBallot Measure 119 And Changing Cannabis Labor Laws<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Oregon recently passed Ballot Measure 119, making it one of a handful of states that allow for cannabis unions to protect workers rights.\" 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