New Jersey Gov. Signs Law Providing Labor Protections for Cannabis Cultivation Employees 

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation establishing new
labor protections for cannabis cultivation workers. The law ensures that
cannabis cultivation and related industry employees are fully covered under
the state’s labor statutes, granting them rights to organize, collectively
bargain, and engage in protected activities without intimidation or
retaliation.

In a statement, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
(UFCW) Local 152 President Daniel Ross Jr. applauded the governor’s signing
of the bill, calling it “a victory for all working people in New Jersey.”

“Cannabis cultivation workers were building a new industry without labor
protections many take for granted. … This law should be viewed as a
significant step forward for other groups of workers in New Jersey who are
not fully protected under federal labor laws. It is my hope that this
legislation serves as a springboard for further conversations about
addressing gaps in worker protections that still exist in our state.” —
Ross Jr. in a press release

The legislation gives enforcement authority to the State Board of Mediation
within the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development,
authorizing penalties – up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up
to $20,000 for cases that result in the discharge or economic harm of an
employee – to hold non-compliant employers accountable.