Everything You Need to Know About Measure 119: Unionizing Cannabis Workers in Oregon

In a landmark decision for Oregon’s cannabis industry, voters passed Measure 119, a historic measure that allows cannabis workers to unionize. With the cannabis industry continuing to grow and mature, Measure 119 marks a major step forward for workers who have long faced challenges including low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of job security. This measure paves the way for workers to organize and negotiate better conditions, while also securing important protections that can help safeguard their rights in this unique and often precarious industry.

If you're a cannabis worker in Oregon, or simply someone interested in how the law is evolving in this sector, it’s important to understand the impact of Measure 119 and what it means for you. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Measure 119, how it affects workers, and what comes next.

What is Measure 119?

Measure 119, which passed in Oregon during the 2024 election, is a bill that specifically gives workers in Oregon’s cannabis industry the right to unionize. Before Measure 119, cannabis workers in Oregon had limited labor protections compared to workers in other industries. Cannabis workers — from those working at dispensaries and cultivation facilities to those in processing and manufacturing — often lacked the same collective bargaining rights that workers in other industries have enjoyed for decades.

In essence, Measure 119 gives cannabis workers the legal right to join unions, negotiate their wages, benefits, and working conditions, and engage in collective bargaining. This is a significant move toward recognizing cannabis workers as integral parts of Oregon’s legal cannabis industry.

Why is Measure 119 Important?

The cannabis industry in Oregon is one of the largest in the nation, with millions in revenue flowing through the state’s dispensaries, cultivation sites, and cannabis manufacturing operations. Despite the industry’s rapid growth, workers in the cannabis sector have often faced challenges that aren’t as common in other industries. These challenges include low pay, inconsistent hours, a lack of benefits, and safety concerns, especially for those working in cultivation or extraction.

Measure 119 is important because it acknowledges these issues and takes a step to correct them. By allowing workers to unionize, Measure 119 gives them the power to collectively bargain for better conditions, better pay, and other protections. This can improve not only the quality of life for workers but also the overall professionalism and sustainability of the cannabis industry as a whole.

Moreover, Measure 119 can serve as a model for other states with legal cannabis markets, promoting worker rights in an industry that is still maturing and evolving.

Who Does Measure 119 Apply To?

Measure 119 applies to workers in Oregon’s legal cannabis industry, which includes anyone involved in the production, manufacturing, processing, or sale of cannabis products. This includes:

• Cultivation Workers – Employees who work in cannabis farms, whether they’re involved in planting, cultivating, or harvesting cannabis.
• Dispensary Workers – People working in retail environments, helping customers purchase cannabis products, and managing inventories.
• Extraction Technicians – Workers who extract oils and concentrates from cannabis plants for use in various products like edibles and vapes.
• Manufacturing Employees – Workers involved in producing cannabis-infused products, like edibles, oils, tinctures, and more.
• Delivery Drivers – Workers who deliver cannabis products to customers or businesses within the state.
• Laboratory Technicians – Workers testing cannabis products for potency and contaminants.

In short, if you're employed by a cannabis business in Oregon and are involved in any of the processes related to growing, handling, or selling cannabis products, you are likely eligible for unionization under Measure 119.

What Does Unionization Mean for Cannabis Workers?

Unionization under Measure 119 allows cannabis workers to form labor unions that represent their interests in negotiations with employers. It’s important to understand what that entails and how it can benefit workers.

1. Collective Bargaining – Once a union is formed, workers can collectively negotiate their wages, benefits, job safety, and working conditions. This helps to level the playing field between employers and workers and ensures that workers are compensated fairly for their labor.

2. Better Wages and Benefits – One of the primary reasons workers unionize is to secure better pay and benefits. Cannabis workers in Oregon have historically earned lower wages compared to those in other industries, and Measure 119 opens the door for workers to negotiate better compensation packages. This could include higher hourly rates, paid sick leave, health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.

3. Job Security and Workplace Protections – Unionizing can provide cannabis workers with more job security. In addition to advocating for better pay, unions can help ensure that workers are treated fairly, that they aren’t subject to unfair terminations, and that their rights are respected in the workplace. Unions also often push for safe working conditions, especially in industries like cannabis, where workers may be exposed to chemicals or other hazards.

4. Political Advocacy and Legal Support – Unions can also advocate for workers at the state and local government levels, pushing for policies that protect workers’ rights and improve industry standards. In addition, unions provide legal support in case workers experience any sort of violation of their rights, whether it’s wrongful termination, unsafe working conditions, or wage theft.

What Are Your Rights Under Measure 119?

If you’re a cannabis worker in Oregon and are considering unionizing, it's important to know your rights under Measure 119. Some of the key rights include:

• Right to Organize – Workers have the right to form, join, or assist in the formation of a union. Employers cannot interfere with this right, nor can they retaliate against workers who choose to organize.

• Right to Collective Bargaining – Once a union is formed, workers have the right to collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Employers are required to negotiate with the union in good faith.

• Protection from Retaliation – Workers cannot be fired, disciplined, or retaliated against for unionizing or participating in union activities. This protection ensures that workers can organize without fear of losing their jobs.

• Right to Fair Elections – When forming a union, workers must be allowed to vote on whether they want union representation. Elections must be fair, free of coercion, and supervised by the proper authorities.

What’s Next for Cannabis Workers and Employers in Oregon?

Now that Measure 119 has passed, the next step is implementation. Cannabis workers interested in forming a union will need to gather support from fellow employees, select a representative body (like a union organization), and go through the formal process of establishing a union.

Employers, on the other hand, will need to comply with the new laws by recognizing unions, engaging in good-faith bargaining, and ensuring that they don’t retaliate against workers for union activities. Some employers may challenge the law, while others may be quick to negotiate with unions to avoid conflict and ensure smooth operations.

The process of unionization can take time, and workers may face challenges along the way. However, with the legal backing of Measure 119, workers in Oregon’s cannabis industry now have the tools they need to fight for fair wages, benefits, and safer working conditions.

Conclusion