The House of Representatives has passed HB 1141, granting agricultural cannabis workers in Washington the right to unionize. This bill addresses the exclusion of these workers from federal labor protections, according to the Washington State House Democrats.
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo) has sponsored a bill focused on allowing agricultural cannabis workers in Washington to organize for fair wages and safe workplaces. Ortiz-Self emphasized, “This bill is about equity and justice, Agricultural cannabis workers, many from communities historically impacted by the War on Drugs, deserve the right to organize for fair wages and safe workplaces. This measure strengthens the workforce and industry alike,” as stated by the Washington State House Democrats.
An amendment to the bill was added to clarify that courts will not extend rights beyond what is specifically granted to agricultural cannabis workers. The House has approved the bill, and it is now with the Senate. If passed, it will allow agricultural cannabis workers to unionize and negotiate for better work conditions and fair pay, as reported by the Washington State House Democrats.
