Employees at Fresh Eatontown, a cannabis dispensary in New Jersey, have voted to unionize, aligning with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360. This marks a notable development in the state’s cannabis sector, where workers are increasingly seeking union representation under New Jersey’s legal framework for cannabis.
The decision to unionize follows a recent trend in the New Jersey cannabis industry, where multiple dispensaries and cannabis-related businesses have seen their employees organize for better working conditions and benefits. Fresh Eatontown LLC operates within a multistate framework, also conducting business in Colorado and Delaware. The unionization vote took place late last year, just months after the dispensary opened in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Hugh Giordano, the director of organizing for UFCW Local 360, commented on the unionization effort, highlighting the commitment of Fresh Eatontown’s employees. He stated, “Voting to unionize is a powerful step. It represents a professional and personal commitment to the future of the company and signals that these cannabis workers want to be partners in creating long-term success.”
New Jersey’s cannabis legislation mandates that employers must negotiate in good faith with workers seeking union representation. Over the past two and a half years, this requirement has facilitated the unionization of employees at several cannabis companies, with UFCW Local 152, Teamsters Local 469, and UFCW Local 360 among the organizations involved.
Giordano attributed the ongoing success of these organizing efforts to UFCW’s ‘Cannabis Workers Rising’ initiative, which has been active for over a decade. He emphasized that as the cannabis industry matures, workers are recognizing the advantages of formal union membership. They are motivated to unionize by the prospect of improved working conditions, greater opportunities, and a secure future for themselves and their families.
Fresh Eatontown has not responded to requests for comments regarding its employees’ unionization efforts. However, this move reflects a broader trend within the industry, where workers are increasingly advocating for their rights and seeking representation to ensure fair treatment and equitable labor practices.
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