The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 352 aims to establish regulations regarding labor agreements and wage standards for employees at cannabis establishments in Connecticut. The bill introduces a new definition for "bona fide labor organization" and "labor peace agreement," which outlines the conditions under which cannabis establishments must operate in relation to labor unions. Specifically, it mandates that provisional cannabis establishments must enter into a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization as a condition for final license approval. The bill also stipulates that any violations of these agreements will be subject to arbitration, and non-compliance can lead to the suspension of the establishment's license without further administrative proceedings.
Additionally, the bill clarifies that gratuities will not be recognized as part of the minimum fair wage for employees at cannabis establishments, dispensary facilities, or producers. It states that any cannabis establishment that pays below the minimum fair wage will be in violation of existing wage laws. The effective date for these provisions is set for October 1, 2026. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure fair labor practices and wage standards for workers in the cannabis industry while establishing a framework for labor relations within this sector.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: