On Tuesday, April 13th, UFCW Local 152 Union Representative Hugh Giordano attended a Morristown Town Council meeting to voice the Local’s opposition to the proposed citywide ban on cannabis.

Backstory

After 67% of New Jersey voters were in favor of the New Jersey Marijuana Legalization Amendment in November 2020, Governor Murphy signed historic cannabis reform laws on February 22nd. Among other things, Governor Murphy gave cities and towns 180 days to establish cannabis limitations if they choose. Cities can decide to do anything from limiting the number of cannabis dispensaries in town to banning the cannabis industry altogether, but a decision must be reached by August 21, 2021.

Meeting

Patch.com later reported the April 13th meeting, where Union Representative Hugh Giordano was mentioned:

“Advocates for medical cannabis spoke at April 13’s Town Council meeting to encourage officials to welcome a dispensary into town. Speakers included activists, union leaders and patients who use medical marijuana. […]

Hugh Giordano — a representative for Union Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152 — previously advocated for New Jersey to legalize recreational marijuana. He said that Morristown should welcome the jobs that dispensaries bring.

‘The UFCW opposes a ban,’ Giordano said. ‘A ban hurts working-class people. It hurts jobs. These jobs come with good salaries, good wages, health care, dental, vision, paternity leave and retirement. These are good, unionized jobs.'”

Read the article in full on Patch.com.

While a decision was not made at this meeting, we are hopeful that the Town of Morristown leaders will keep an open mind and consider the possibilities of the cannabis industry moving into their town. Regardless, UFCW Local 152 will continue to attend meetings to voice support for an industry that is sure to provide New Jersey workers with good jobs and revenue.

Commitment

UFCW Local 152 is not new to fighting on behalf of the cannabis industry up and down the Garden State.

On a national level, the United Food and Commercial Workers represent workers in both medical and recreational cannabis-related industries. UFCW Local 152 is committed to standing with cannabis workers in our area to not only create good jobs, but also represent them so that their employers pay good wages, good benefits, and fair treatment in a safe work environment. Discover more about the Cannabis Campaign in our area and our efforts to support workers in the industry.

If you work in the Cannabis industry and want to join UFCW Local 152, please contact Hugh Giordano at 609-680-5718 or contact us via our Union Interest form.