A labor union trying to organize workers in the Massachusetts marijuana industry has accused national cannabis conglomerate iAnthus Capital Holdings of violating state law by retaliating against pro-union workers at its Holliston cultivation and processing facility.
In a formal complaint to state regulators Thursday, the Local 1445 branch of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, or UFCW, said managers at iAnthus subsidiary Mayflower Medicinals issued written warnings to two workers involved in unionization efforts for minor alleged infractions that “do not normally lead to discipline.”
The union, in its filing to the state Department of Labor Relations, said the writeups were issued as part of an illegal anti-union campaign by Mayflower managers that also included interrogating employees and directing some to stop engaging in legally protected organizing activity.
In a brief statement, a spokeswoman for iAnthus said Mayflower employees "will have the opportunity to decide whether they want union representation.”
“Mayflower fully supports its employees and respects their rights to make informed decisions about their employment, including the right to collectively bargain,” she added.