AFSCME Council 65 Cannabis Unions

As Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market develops, municipal and public-sector cannabis retailers will play a large role in ensuring safe, transparent, and community-centered operations. As cannabis retail expands into municipal and public models, we are committed to ensuring these jobs are fair, stable, and rooted in strong labor standards.

One of the most important tools in achieving that goal is the Labor Peace Agreement (LPA).

What is a Labor Peace Agreement?
A Labor Peace Agreement (LPA) is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a labor organization that establishes basic rules for labor relations during union organizing. LPAs are commonly required in regulated industries like cannabis to ensure worker rights, and community stability.

Minnesota law requires cannabis retailers to enter into a Labor Peace Agreement with a labor organization as part of the licensing process.
This requirement helps ensure:
    •    Stable and uninterrupted retail operations
    •    Clear pathways for employee representation
    •    Fair working conditions in a newly regulated industry
    •    Reduced labor disputes during the launch of the cannabis market
For municipal cannabis retailers, LPAs also reinforce public accountability. An LPA is not a collective bargaining agreement, but it is the first step toward a constructive labor-management relationship.

AFSCME Council 65 and Cannabis Retail Work
AFSCME Council 65 brings decades of experience representing municipal employees, public service workers, regulatory and compliance staff and frontline community-facing employees. As cannabis retail becomes integrated into Minnesota’s local government and public service landscape, AFSCME Council 65 is ready to represent workers in all public sector cannabis related positions.

We believe cannabis retail workers deserve the same standards as any other public service employees: fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice on the job.

What Happens After a Labor Peace Agreement?
Once an LPA is in place:
    •    Employees retain full rights to choose representation
    •    The union may communicate with workers about workplace rights
    •    Employers continue normal operations without disruption
    •    Either party may proceed toward collective bargaining if workers choose representation
A Labor Peace Agreement ensures that organizing occurs fairly and without interference while maintaining operational stability.

Partnering with AFSCME Council 65
AFSCME Council 65 is prepared to work with:
    •    Municipal cannabis retailers
    •    City and county governments
    •    Public service agencies entering cannabis operations
    •    Employers seeking compliant Labor Peace Agreements
We are committed to building a cannabis industry that reflects Minnesota values: fairness, accountability, and strong public service standards.

Contact AFSCME Council 65
For Labor Peace Agreement discussions or more information about representing cannabis retail workers:
info@afscme65.org
1-888-474-3242
3335 West St. Germain St, Suite 107 
St Cloud, MN 56301

Cannabis Workers
Looking to form a Union at your workplace? Click here and fill out our Organizing interest form.