Two United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) chapters, Local 152 and Local 360, today announced that employees of medical cannabis company Verano NJ will become UFCW members. Workers made the decision to organize in order to make sure their rights are protected and acknowledged, as their fast-growing industry continues to evolve. Union membership also ensures that Verano NJ employees retain an important voice in developing and maintaining high operating and management standards.
Representatives of UFCW described the process as open and collaborative and noted Verano NJ’s engagement. Currently, the company holds a permit to cultivate and process medical cannabis in New Jersey, employing around 80 people. Recently it held a series of community job fairs to grow its workforce.
“Everyone wins when a mutually respectful, union-business relationship exists,” said Hugh Giordano, Local 152 representative. “This agreement extends our commitment to employees in this exciting young industry, and it will assist Verano NJ in accomplishing its goals in a way that benefits host communities.”