Workers at Connecticut Grow Become State’s First Cannabis Industry Employees to Form Union

A cannabis grow operation in West Haven, Connecticut on Monday became the first cannabis industry workers in the state to unionize. The 48 Advanced Grow Labs employees formed their union with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 919.  

In a statement, UFCW Local 919 Director of Organizing Emily Sabo said the employees “came together to form their union because they believe in the cannabis industry and they know that forming their union will make their job and the industry better.” 

“We are incredibly proud of the work the Advanced Grow Labs team has done to form their union. They know that unionization is the way for workers to uplift the Connecticut cannabis industry as a whole, and create living wage jobs.” — Sabo in a press release 

Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis law requires all licensees to enter into a Labor Peace Agreement as part of the final license approval.  

UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa said the union is “excited to bargain a contract and set the standard for all cannabis workers” in Connecticut. 

“We know there is strength in numbers, and now many workers to come will benefit from the hard work done by these workers at Advanced Grow Labs,” he said in a statement. “We encourage other cannabis workers in this state to join this important movement.”