In a significant milestone for Nevada’s burgeoning cannabis industry, over 120 employees of Ayr Wellness have successfully ratified their first union contract. This landmark agreement encompasses workers across three dispensaries and one delivery depot located in Las Vegas and Henderson, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s labor movement within the cannabis sector.
The Journey to Unionization
The path to this historic contract began with a series of unionization efforts by Ayr Wellness employees. In December 2023, workers at the Henderson dispensary voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711. This move followed earlier unionization votes at other Ayr Wellness locations in Nevada, reflecting a growing trend among cannabis workers seeking representation and improved working conditions.
Taylor Vivian, an Ayr Wellness worker involved in the organizing process, expressed the collective sentiment of her colleagues at the time, stating, “As this industry develops across more and more states around the country, I am happy to join the movement of workers that demonstrates just how powerful cannabis workers can be when we stand together and fight for a seat at the table.” Vivian emphasized the aspiration for dispensary jobs to be “career-sustaining roles where workers feel respected and our hard work is rewarded.”
Key Provisions of the Contract
The newly ratified contract introduces several critical provisions aimed at enhancing the safety, well-being, and job satisfaction of Ayr Wellness employees:
- Armed Security at Dispensaries: To ensure the safety of both employees and customers, the contract mandates the presence of armed security personnel at dispensaries. This measure addresses growing concerns about security in retail cannabis operations.
- Improved Access to Affordable Health Care: Recognizing the importance of health benefits, the agreement provides employees with better access to affordable healthcare options, underscoring the industry’s commitment to worker welfare.
- Enhanced Scheduling Opportunities: The contract introduces more flexible and predictable scheduling practices, allowing employees to achieve a better work-life balance.
Chase Payne, a budtender at Ayr Wellness’s Las Vegas Eastern Avenue location, highlighted the significance of these provisions, stating, “We fought for fair wages, safe conditions, and respect—not just for ourselves, but for everyone who will come after us.” Payne emphasized that the contract is “a testament to our resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to the cannabis industry.”
Catalysts for Unionization
Several factors contributed to the employees’ decision to unionize and negotiate this contract:
- Desire for Fair Compensation: Workers sought wages that accurately reflect the responsibilities and risks associated with their roles in the cannabis industry.
- Need for Safe Working Conditions: The inclusion of armed security in the contract highlights employees’ concerns about safety, particularly given the cash-intensive nature of cannabis businesses.
- Demand for Respect and Representation: Employees aimed to secure a formal platform to voice their concerns and participate in decisions affecting their workplace, seeking recognition and respect for their contributions.
Broader Implications for the Cannabis Industry
This successful unionization and contract ratification at Ayr Wellness is part of a broader trend within the cannabis industry. Workers at other companies, such as PharmaCann’s cultivation facility in Illinois, have also voted to join unions like the Teamsters, indicating a nationwide movement toward organized labor in cannabis operations.
The momentum in Nevada is particularly notable. In addition to Ayr Wellness, workers at Cannapunch, a cannabis processor in Las Vegas, voted to join UFCW Local 711, becoming the first cannabis processing unit in the state to unionize. David Rodriguez Prieto, a Cannapunch employee, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the labor movement, stating, “I’m thrilled to join the other three Ayr Wellness locations in Nevada and cannabis workers across the country in this growing labor movement.”
Guide for the Future
The ratification of this union contract by Ayr Wellness employees signifies a transformative moment in Nevada’s cannabis industry, reflecting a broader shift toward unionization and improved labor standards. As the industry continues to expand, the successful organization of workers at Ayr Wellness and other companies sets a precedent for labor relations, emphasizing the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and employee representation in this rapidly evolving sector.