Unfair labor charges filed against medical pot dispensary
The United Food and Commercial Workers international union announced Monday that it has filed unfair labor practice charges against the Wellness Connection of Maine medical marijuana dispensary based in Auburn.
The union, which began representing workers at the medical marijuana dispensary this spring, alleges more than 10 violations of workers' rights at the state's largest dispensary of medical marijuana, which has been under scrutiny by the state for alleged violations of workplace law and unsanitary conditions. The union represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries.
The charges, filed Monday with the National Labor Relations Board, allege that Wellness Connection of Maine's management acted unlawfully, interfering with its workers' right to join together and address workplace issues. Workers also alleged that unsafe working conditions resulted in injuries and health complications, according to a press release sent to Mainebiz by the Maine AFL-CIO.
Becky Dekeuster, Wellness Connection's executive director, did not respond to a Mainebiz email requesting comment.
In a related matter, the UFCW announced its support of LD 1161, An Act to Ensure Regulated Safe Access to Medicinal Marijuana. The union's press release said the bill will increase protections for workers in the industry, address the use of pesticides though Integrated Pest Management, call for certified training and regulate the industry.
A public hearing on that bill is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. today in Cross Building, Room 209, at the State House.
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