AFL-CIO & UFCW Urges Legislature to Include Labor Peace in Legal Cannabis Bill

The Connecticut AFL-CIO, UFCW Local 371, and UFCW Local 919 made the following statements in support of HB 6377: An Act Concerning Labor Peace Agreements and a Modern and Equitable Cannabis Workforce:

Sal Luciano, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO:

"We thank the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus for announcing today that the inclusion of equity standards and labor peace in legalizing recreational use of cannabis is one of their top priorities. It’s vitally important that the jobs created will be a net positive for our state and those most adversely impacted by the war on drugs have opportunities to create new careers, establish thriving businesses and build economic security.

"The best way to create good jobs in this new industry is to make labor peace agreements a condition of licensure and require that construction or renovation of cultivation and retail facilities include prevailing wage standards and project labor agreements.

"There is much that can be done to ensure that legalized recreational cannabis in Connecticut rights the wrongs of the past and moves forward in a way that delivers much needed equity. We proudly stand with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to ensure this is included in the final version of the bill."

Mark Espinosa, President of UFCW Local 919, and Ronald Petronella, President of UFCW Local 371:

"The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Locals 371 and 919 thank the CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus for prioritizing HB 6377 – An Act Concerning Labor Peace Agreements and a Modern and Equitable Cannabis Workforce.

"The U.F.C.W. recognizes the immense harm done by past cannabis policies specifically on people of color. We are committed to working towards reparative justice for those workers who have been impacted by cannabis prohibition in the past. Labor Peace Agreements and union contracts help ensure that a broad range of workers can benefit from this growing industry. We look forward to working with the CT Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to ensure that we create an equitable cannabis industry here in Connecticut for both workers and business owners."

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