The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union Local 360 announced that more New Jersey cannabis workers at the Fresh Dispensary in Eatontown in Monmouth County have voted to unionize.
“I hope the management team at Fresh Eatontown recognizes how lucky it is to have such committed employees,” said Hugh Giordano, UFCW Local 360’s Director of Organizing.
“Voting to unionize is a powerful step. It represents a professional and personal commitment to the future of the company and signals that these cannabis workers want to be partners in creating long-term success,” he added.
For over a decade, Local 360 has been central in the development and stabilization of New Jersey’s legal cannabis industry through its Cannabis Workers Rising campaign. Thousands of cannabis workers across New Jersey have joined them. That includes budtenders and retail staff, as well as cultivation and processing teams.
“As this young industry evolves, workers are learning about the value of bona fide unions, like Local 360,” said Giordano.
“They see that labor membership can mean better conditions, better opportunities, and a brighter future for families, communities, and employers. They chose UFCW Local 360 because of our unmatched cannabis industry expertise. And our record of success for cannabis workers in collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and worker rights.”
Giordano regularly meets with cannabis industry workers. He credits the transparency and expertise at the heart of Local 360’s organizing effort for its continued success. Giordano also pointed out the UFCW’s commitment to building a successful industry. They are committed to a thriving, diverse, and skilled workforce, wherever cannabis is legalized.
Small MSO Fresh in Eatontown
Fresh Eatontown is one of two dispensaries in New Jersey operated by the small Multi-State Operator (MSO) cannabis company Fresh Cannabis.
Fresh Cannabis’ other New Jersey dispensary Fresh Elizabeth voted to join UFCW Local 360 in December 2024.
It also has locations in Colorado and Delaware.
Organizing Cannabis Workers
UFCW is a national leader in cannabis labor organizing and is the official cannabis union recognized by the AFL-CIO. They represent tens of thousands of workers in dispensaries, grow operations, laboratories, delivery services, and processing facilities. The union collaborates with employees and businesses to advance a cannabis industry that provides sustaining jobs and prioritizes social equity.
The Teamsters union, though, might be trying to beat them. They successfully organized the Garden Society growers based in the City of Passaic in North Jersey and the Cannabist dispensary in Mays Landing in South Jersey.
(UFCW Local 360 stock image above).
