Cannabis Worker Strikes Break Records

Overview

Two ongoing strikes at cannabis businesses.Longest in the U.S. legal cannabis industry's history. Exceed the previous 13-day record from 2023. Push for Trump administration intervention.

Strike Locations

• Exclusive Brands, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Started Aug. 28, 2025. Vertically integrated, state-only operator.

• Green Thumb Industries (GTI) RISE, York, Pennsylvania: Began Sept. 1, 2025. Multistate operator dispensary.

Key Differences

Michigan: Small group strikes over union recognition refusal.Pennsylvania: Unionized workers strike after failed contract talks. Both amid market saturation.

Industry Context

Cannabis sector faces struggles. Less profits to share. Tight labor market demands higher wages.Pennsylvania's limited licenses aid profitability.

Union Challenges

Stagnant organizing post-Biden era. Some workers de-unionize due to unmet promises. Companies use anti-union tactics. Trump's pro-business stance may embolden employers.

Michigan Details

Organized by United Food and Commercial Workers. Strike follows alleged firing of pro-union worker. Most employees still working. Company appeals to NLRB, claims federal illegality exempts labor laws.

Pennsylvania Details

Teamsters Local 776 organizes. All eight workers on strike. Demand $18/hour starting wage. GTI offers $16-$17.65 based on market analysis. Union files NLRB complaint for refusal to bargain.

Future Outlook

Strikes ongoing; businesses open.Workers share GTI's $1B+ revenue with customers.NLRB decisions pending Trump appointments. Economic pressures suggest more unrest.