The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated unionization efforts at a handful of cannabis stores and dispensaries in Illinois and Massachusetts that, if successful, could result in thousands of dollars in added staffing costs for the multistate operators that own the establishments.
Safety concerns are among the issues spurring the unionization efforts, as well as pay, benefits, scheduling, recognition and having a say in a company’s future.
Successful union drives might mean the marijuana companies involved could end up paying significantly more per employee in higher wages and benefits, according to industry experts.
But companies can benefit economically as well, through increased employee loyalty and retention and highly motivated customer service.
Unions, especially the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, have conducted organizing activities in the emerging cannabis industry in recent years but with only modest success. Also, labor activities have sometimes sparked tension.