Arizona Cannabis Industry Workers Demand Better Conditions
09/22/2023
The struggle for fair labor conditions escalated in Arizona as the workers of Curaleaf Midtown, a Phoenix-based marijuana dispensary, staged a strike to voice their grievances. This marks a historic event, being the first labor action of its kind in Arizona's cannabis industry. The workers, supported by local leaders and community members, took action on September 15, expressing their unified demand for better working conditions and fair treatment from their employer.
The labor action followed a successful vote for unionization on June 30, 2023. However, the workers claim they have yet to receive a union contract. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99's statement revealed that the workers demanded improved pay, enhanced benefits, improved working conditions, safety measures, and the reinstatement of a worker allegedly fired due to union activity. The fired worker's case is currently under review by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Nicholas Fredrickson, a Budtender at Curaleaf Midtown, articulated the workers' insistence on union negotiations when he said, "We’re demanding that Curaleaf come to the table and negotiate with us like they were supposed to do when the NLRB ordered them to recognize us."
Curaleaf responded to the strike by expressing respect towards the workers' decision to be represented by a union.
In their statement, Curaleaf committed to negotiating with the union in good faith and emphasized that a "positive work environment" is vital for the team members, the business, and their customers.
However, the strike did not transpire without heated moments. Reports suggest a labor organizer was escorted off the premises by police and staff attempted to obscure the strikers' signs. As the labor action continues, the workers at Curaleaf Midtown remain firm in their fight for a fair union contract and better working conditions. Only time will tell if the workers and Curaleaf can work out their differences.
Reference
The labor action followed a successful vote for unionization on June 30, 2023. However, the workers claim they have yet to receive a union contract. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99's statement revealed that the workers demanded improved pay, enhanced benefits, improved working conditions, safety measures, and the reinstatement of a worker allegedly fired due to union activity. The fired worker's case is currently under review by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Nicholas Fredrickson, a Budtender at Curaleaf Midtown, articulated the workers' insistence on union negotiations when he said, "We’re demanding that Curaleaf come to the table and negotiate with us like they were supposed to do when the NLRB ordered them to recognize us."
Curaleaf responded to the strike by expressing respect towards the workers' decision to be represented by a union.
In their statement, Curaleaf committed to negotiating with the union in good faith and emphasized that a "positive work environment" is vital for the team members, the business, and their customers.
However, the strike did not transpire without heated moments. Reports suggest a labor organizer was escorted off the premises by police and staff attempted to obscure the strikers' signs. As the labor action continues, the workers at Curaleaf Midtown remain firm in their fight for a fair union contract and better working conditions. Only time will tell if the workers and Curaleaf can work out their differences.
Reference
