Trenton, NJ — Legislation that would provide cannabis workers in New Jersey protections already afforded to other private employees in the state is awaiting the signature of Gov. Phil Murphy (D).
Sponsored by Sens. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) and James Beach (D-Camden/Burlington), the bill (A.B. 4182) would prohibit unfair labor practices, increase potential penalties for violations, and ensure cannabis workers are entitled to organizing and union rights.
Currently, the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 excludes agricultural workers.
Under the bill, cannabis employers, their agents and their representatives would be prohibited from:
- Interfering with, restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights granted in the bill.
- Discriminating against employees for making disclosures or otherwise exercising their rights.
- Dominating or interfering with any employee organization.
- Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement.
- Violating any State Board of Mediation regulation.
“This bill will ensure that they are treated just like other workers,” Singleton said. “Right now, they exist in a legal gray area that may unduly deprive them of those protections.”
If signed, the bill would authorize the board to enforce the law by ordering any offending party to cease unfair practices and take remedial action. The board also would be able to order offenders to pay for lost wages, costs of action and damages equal to the wages due.
Fees for employer noncompliance would be increased to not more than $5,000 a day from not more than $1,000 a day.
The state Senate (29-8) and Assembly (56-17) both approved the bill on Dec. 22.
