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Minnesota Teamsters Rally in Support of Cannabis Legalization on Four Twenty
Union Encourages State Lawmakers, Gov. Walz to Enact HF 100, SF 73
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – Teamsters joined criminal justice reformers, cannabis advocates, and other labor allies on April 20 at a rally in St. Paul to call on state lawmakers to legalize recreational cannabis.
“As cannabis becomes legalized, there will be a growing need for workers in this industry, and we will be there to ensure that they receive fair wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Tom Erickson, Teamsters Central Region International Vice President, President of Teamsters Local 120, and President of Teamsters Joint Council 32 in Minneapolis. “Cannabis legalization is good for all workers because it has the potential to create new jobs and economic opportunities, increase tax revenue, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. The Teamsters commend Gov. Walz and other pro-legalization elected officials for supporting this legalization. We encourage state legislators to send him a bill that he can sign as quickly as possible.”
As the Teamsters have long known, cannabis legalization increases worker empowerment. As more workers enter the cannabis industry, its overall size and bargaining power increases, leveling the playing field between workers and employers. The Teamsters and other unions can use their collective bargaining power to negotiate with government regulators and other stakeholders, ensuring that workers are protected, and that the industry is regulated in a way that benefits workers and the public.
“The Teamsters strongly commend Minnesota lawmakers for introducing this legislation. This will not only be a huge boon to taxpayers and entrepreneurs, but working families as well,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “Unionized, legalized cannabis is critical to bringing more prosperous, middle-class careers to Minnesotans.”
The bills — House File 100 and its companion legislation in the upper chamber, Senate File 73 — are expected to be brought up for floor votes within the next few weeks. Teamsters have been advocating for a regulatory framework on cannabis since the beginning of the legislative session in Minnesota.