UFCW Local 152 members who work at Columbia Care‘s Vineland cultivation facility ratified their first union contract in June.

According to an announcement from United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152, the agreement caps a years-long effort.

Effective from June 25–December 2028, the first contract provides substantial retroactive wage increases for all members. According to Local 152, the agreement also provides for 100% employer-paid ancillary benefits through the union’s Health & Welfare Fund.

These Columbia Care members first sought union representation in November 2022, according to the local. Following a “protracted legal process” after Columbia Care argued the employees may or may not have been “agricultural workers” under federal law, UFCW Local 152 sought determination from the National Labor Relations Board.

NJRB eventually found the employees were not under its jurisdiction, according to the union.

New Jersey law permits all cannabis workers to organize regardless of whether federal labor laws apply. The New Jersey State Board of Mediation eventually certified the unit, UFCW Local 152 said, allowing these workers to negotiate with their employer.

As a result of the experience, the union said it pursued legislation to close the loophole.

Assembly Bill 4182 cleared the state Assembly June 30. Companion measure Senate Bill 3139 now awaits a vote from the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In other recent developments:

• NJ Transit engineers approve 7-year contract after strike
• Cannabis dispensary workers in Eatontown unionize