This bill seeks to extend labor rights and protections to cannabis workers in New Jersey, aligning their rights with those of other private sector and public employees. It amends existing law to empower the New Jersey State Board of Mediation to address unfair labor practices specific to cannabis employment, particularly for workers not covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The bill outlines various unfair practices that cannabis employers are prohibited from engaging in, such as interfering with employees' rights and refusing to negotiate in good faith. It also establishes similar prohibitions for organizations representing cannabis workers, ensuring a balanced approach to labor relations in the cannabis industry.

Additionally, the bill mandates that cannabis employers provide employee organizations access to their employees and timely notifications regarding new hires or changes in employee contact information. It requires employers to facilitate payroll deductions for membership dues and representation fees while prohibiting them from discouraging employee organization membership. The State Board of Mediation is granted the authority to enforce these provisions and issue remedies for violations, including reinstatement and compensation for lost wages. The bill also increases penalties for employer non-compliance from a maximum of $1,000 to $5,000 per day and clarifies that provisions regarding private employers not subject to the NLRA apply to employees in mixed employment situations. Overall, the legislation aims to create a fair labor environment for cannabis workers, ensuring they have the same rights and protections as other workers in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:13A-5.1