On Monday, February 3rd, nearly 20 budtenders and delivery drivers at Hello High Dispensary, a cannabis dispensary in Hammonton, New Jersey ratified a historic first union contract!

In December 2023, workers at Hello High took a bold step toward securing a better workplace by reaching out to UFCW Local 152 for guidance on unionizing.

Thanks to New Jersey’s labor peace agreement (LPA) requirements, cannabis workers have a unique opportunity to organize without employer interference. Excluding micro-license holders, New Jersey mandates all cannabis employers sign an LPA, ensuring they remain neutral while workers decide their future. This protection gives cannabis workers a chance to come together and advocate for fair wages, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job — without the fear and intimidation often seen in other industries.

Setting the Groundwork

Achieving a first contract is a lengthy process requiring considerable effort and resources. Although it may seem untimely, the results are worth the wait since the first contract sets the groundwork for all future negotiations.

With the implementation of the new two-year agreement, Hello High workers now have fundamental protections established. These include:

• members are no longer “at-will” employees, meaning the employer must have a legitimate reason to terminate;
• a three-step grievance process, which is a formal procedure for employees to raise concerns or complaints about their employer or working conditions;
• clear job posting for new and open positions;
• seniority provisions to recognize senior workers with more time and experience;
• successorship language in the event of a sale/merger to protect the workers.

Through hard bargaining, we are proud to say that these Hello High workers now have affordable health benefits through the UFCW Local 152 Health & Welfare Fund. The contract also guarantees great benefits for our newest members, including mileage for drivers, more holidays, an employee discount, and yearly wage increases — all now in a written legal document.

Congratulations to the newest members of UFCW Local 152! This great accomplishment could not have happened without our negotiating committee: Collective Bargaining Representative Peter White, Union Representative Bryan String, S.P.U.R. Tony Melendez-Mott, and workers Angel Santiago and Brendan Reilly.

Why not you?

UFCW is proud to be the cannabis workers’ union.

If you work in the cannabis industry, you deserve respect, fair treatment, and a say in your workplace. Unionizing under an LPA means the decision is entirely in your hands, without employer roadblocks. The workers at Hello High recognized this opportunity and took action. Now, it can be your turn!

Are you interested in learning more about how UFCW Local 152 can help you and your coworkers? Start by learning how to form a union.

Are you in the cannabis industry and want to learn more about labor peace agreements at your facility? Email Director of Organizing Mike Thompson at mthompson@ufcwlocal152.org today.