Legislation to establish collective bargaining rights for marijuana workers was given approval today by the Washington State House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards.
Introduced by State Representatives Lillian Ortiz-Self and Mary Fossee on December 30, House Bill 1141 would grant workers in marijuana cultivation and processing the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. Proponents of the bill say that its a stepping stone to eventually allowing collective bargaining for all cannabis employees.
The measure, which was approved by the committee 6 to 3, includes provisions for organizing labor unions, resolving disputes, and protecting employees’ rights to negotiate with employers. It specifies that workers involved in growing, harvesting, drying, and trimming marijuana on licensed farms are covered under the bill, while excluding managers and supervisors with decision-making authority.
Under the proposed law, employers are prohibited from interfering with unionization efforts or attempting to influence employees’ choice of representatives.
The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) would oversee dispute mediation, including certifying bargaining representatives through elections. Employers would also be required to share relevant employee information with unions, such as contact details and employment terms.
The bill explicitly prohibits unfair labor practices, including retaliation against workers engaged in union activities and bad-faith negotiations by employers. Labor organizations are also barred from engaging in coercive or discriminatory behavior. The legislation highlights binding arbitration as a key mechanism for resolving labor disputes, with provisions ensuring continuity of existing agreements until new ones are finalized.
Having cleared the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards, HB 1141 will need to pass one more committee before it can be considered by the full House of Representatives. If passed by the House, it will be sent to the state’s Senate for consideration.
