New Zealand Construction Industry Concerned About Marijuana Legalization Referendum
With more than 250,000 workers nationwide, the New Zealand construction industry has many concerns about the proposed legalization of marijuana for personal use to be decided in the upcoming Fall 2020 General Election.
Citing the extremely hazardous and dangerous work condition on construction locations, the health and safety of the workforce is a major concern, said Gary Walker, chairman of the Construction Strategy Group. Furthermore, in a survey conducted by Civil Contractors New Zealand, 65% of respondents indicated that legalization would negatively impact their business operation, including the availability of substance-free workers.
While Walker referred to the negative impacts of marijuana legalization in other nations, he wondered if his country’s legislature had considered and was prepared to shoulder the financial blow, especially in the ongoing economic recovery period post-COVID-19.
If marijuana is legal in your country, what workplace impacts have you observed?