Under the law, companies applying for a state license must show that they have signed a labor peace agreement with a union and must maintain the agreement if they want to keep their license. The law does not directly define a labor peace agreement, but such deals typically mean that employers will not oppose a union seeking to organize their workforce and that unions agree not to strike.
Businesses must also reach or "make a good faith effort to enter" into a collective bargaining agreement with a union within 200 days of opening their doors. Companies can also receive preference on their license applications if they enter into project labor agreements to build or modify their facilities.
The law includes guidelines for the commission to evaluate whether a union qualifies as a "bona fide labor organization," including that the organization has written bylaws and at least 500 members spread across the country and already represents workers in the marijuana business in other states.
New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said the legislation was the product of years of work and a long-term effort to elect union members to the state Legislature.