The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 876 has filed a complaint with state cannabis regulators against Exclusive Brands.
The union alleges the Livonia-based weed retailer and grower is blocking the union from organizing workers at its Ann Arbor location by blocking a vote. The complaint was filed last week to the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.
“We care deeply about our customers, and having a union will help us secure the benefits and protections to serve them better,” Chase Leon, a worker at the Ann Arbor retail store, said in a press release. “Despite making our support for having a union clear to Exclusive Brands, management is trying to block us from making our voices heard and won’t even let us vote to join one. We’ve been very clear: We want a union. Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency should look into Exclusive Brands’ license, given that the company is trying to deny our legal right to form a union. Exclusive Brands should stop playing games and let us vote.”
It’s unclear what authority the CRA has to address this matter. The agency ensures legal cannabis companies in the state follow procedural rules and laws.
The federal National Labor Relations Board typically addresses labor violations, but cannabis is a gray area because it is still federally illegal and agriculture workers have historically been exempted from protection under the National Labor Relations Act. Michigan also has no specific protections for agriculture workers.
Representatives from Exclusive did not respond to Crain’s inquiries on the matter.
