First Cannabis Workers In CT Ratify Their Union Contract With 3 Year Agreement
West Haven, CT –Last night, workers at Advanced Grow Labs (AGL) in West Haven made history and voted unanimously to ratify their union contract- the very first union cannabis contract in the state. The three-year Agreement includes guaranteed wage increases of up to 25% over three years, increased holiday pay, secured retirement and health insurance, increased safety measures, and on the job protection.
“I am proud to be a part of the first cannabis union in Connecticut,” said AGL Production Technician Alanna Daniels. “This has been a huge milestone for the industry in the state and our company. I hope other workers can come together like we have.”
“This is groundbreaking,” said AGL Harvest Technician Christopher Mckenzie. “We have a voice at work now and a better future coming now that we have a union contract.”
“It feels good to be represented and to have a contract that will secure our jobs,” said AGL Laboratory Technician Amber Sampiere. “This is a new and developing industry and we are at the forefront of creating a better future for cannabis workers.”
“The workers at Advanced Grow Labs made history by negotiating and ratifying the very first cannabis contract in Connecticut,” said Director of Organizing, Emily Sabo. “We know their hard work will inspire more workers to form their unions and pave the way for a better Connecticut cannabis industry.”
These workers join the tens and thousands of other cannabis workers across the country have formed their union with the UFCW and are ratifying union contracts. Cannabis Workers who are interested in forming a union at their workplace should contact the UFCW Local 919 Director of Organizing, Emily Sabo at 203-915-4561 or emilysabo@ufcw919.org.
BACKGROUND:
In March 2023, workers at Advanced Grow Labs came together to form their union with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 919 becoming the first in the state to unionize.
UFCW Local 919 has been leading the push to strengthen Connecticut cannabis jobs and give workers a voice in the workplace as the industry expands across the state. The UFCW represents tens and thousands of cannabis workers across the country in dispensaries, labs, delivery, kitchens, manufacturing, processing, grow facilities, and more. The UFCW is America's largest cannabis workers union and has been representing cannabis workers in states across the country for almost two decades. Its Cannabis Workers Rising campaign helps to advance the development and stabilization of the emerging cannabis industry and supports good jobs in Connecticut and nationwide.
As part of UFCW’s efforts, the union is committed to setting the standards nationally for the cannabis industry through crafting and supporting targeted legislative efforts, leading the way in industry coalitions, and ensuring that cannabis jobs mean living wage jobs, pathways to advancement, and equity, especially for marginalized communities.
UFCW Local 919 is a part of UFCW International, which is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in cannabis, healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW Cannabis Workers Rising Campaign at https://www.ufcw.org/who-we-represent/cannabis/.