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Bill

SB 5468

Concerning collective bargaining for agricultural cannabis workers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Conway and 7 co-sponsors

SB 5468 grants Washington agricultural cannabis workers collective bargaining rights to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions as an organized group.

First reading, referred to Labor & Commerce.
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Bill Summary · SB 5468

Legislative bill overview

SB 5468 would extend collective bargaining rights to agricultural cannabis workers in Washington state, allowing them to organize and negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions as a group. This represents a significant expansion of labor protections in the cannabis industry, which currently operates in a legal gray area regarding traditional labor organizing protections.

Why is this important

Cannabis agricultural workers have historically lacked robust labor protections despite working in hazardous conditions involving pesticides, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks. Federal prohibition of cannabis creates a unique situation where these workers cannot access some National Labor Relations Act protections, making state-level collective bargaining rights a critical policy gap.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state conflict: Cannabis remains Schedule I federally, creating legal uncertainty about whether state collective bargaining agreements can be enforced against federal enforcement actions or affect interstate commerce compliance
  • Industry compliance costs: Licensed cannabis producers argue that additional labor obligations would increase operational costs in an already heavily-taxed and regulated industry, potentially pushing producers toward illicit markets
  • Scope and definition disputes: Questions about which cannabis agricultural workers qualify (seasonal vs. permanent, indoor vs. outdoor cultivation, processing facilities) and whether the bill adequately defines "agricultural cannabis" versus retail or testing operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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