Working with UFCW Local 152 and Local 360, employees of Verano NJ voted to become UFCW members, signaling a long-term commitment to their careers, their communities and the licensed cannabis industry
NEW JERSEY: Two United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) chapters, Local 152 and Local 360, today announced that employees of medical cannabis company Verano NJ will become UFCW members. Workers made the decision to organize in order to make sure their rights are protected and acknowledged, as their fast-growing industry continues to evolve. Union membership also ensures that Verano NJ employees retain an important voice in developing and maintaining high operating and management standards.
Representatives of UFCW described the process as open and collaborative and noted Verano NJ’s engagement. Currently, the company holds a permit to cultivate and process medical cannabis in New Jersey, employing around 80 people. Recently it held a series of community job fairs to grow its workforce.
“Everyone wins when a mutually respectful, union-business relationship exists,” said Hugh Giordano, Local 152 representative. “This agreement extends our commitment to employees in this exciting young industry, and it will assist Verano NJ in accomplishing its goals in a way that benefits host communities.”
UFCW Local 152 operates at the forefront of regional efforts to work with employees and business owners in the regulated cannabis industry.
“Nationally, UFCW represents the interests of thousands of cannabis industry workers,” added Local 360 representative John Powers. “We’ve helped craft Labor Peace Agreements and Collective Bargaining Agreements that improve working conditions, enable the industry to gain support and legitimacy, and set the high standards consumers demand. This choice, by Verano NJ employees, recognizes the positive impact unions have on employees, their families and the places where they work and live.”
UFCW Local 360 has a task force dedicated to organizing employees in the cannabis industry.