A 13-day unfair labor practice strike led by Teamsters Local 777 at two Rise Cannabis dispensaries in Joliet, Ill. and one in Niles, Ill. forced parent company, Green Thumb Industries
, to raise wages by 50% during the strike. Workers are now returning to their jobs and demanding that wage increases be made permanent.
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"GTI broke the law, and we will hold them accountable legally to make sure they pay," stated Peter Finn, Teamsters western region international VP and food processing division director. "Whether it's direct action or a legal battle, the 1.3 million members of the Teamsters Union will continue to stand with cannabis workers in this historic fight."
Federal labor law suggests if an employer makes a unilateral wage increase during collective bargaining, those wage increases are precedent-setting. The company also committed additional unfair labor practices during the unfair labor practice strike, including unlawful surveillance and the promise of promotions for those who crossed the picket line.
"This is just the beginning," stated Jim Glimco, president of Local 777. "These brave men and women just undertook the longest strike in the history of the cannabis industry because they're not afraid of taking a stand. We're showing the whole industry that if you don't play by the rules, we will pull your card."
Heather Alvarado, a cannabis worker at the Rise Niles location, stated: "We're looking forward to seeing these raises in writing and also getting back to our customers and patients. A lot of them suffered as a result of the company causing this to happen, and we're glad that the strike is over. We would like to thank all of the elected officials, customers, and community allies who have shown their support and continue to stick with us as this fight for better wages, retirement security, and fair treatment continues."
Recent Teamster Activity In The Cannabis Industry
Teamsters unionized budtenders at Captain Jack's Dispensary in San Bernardino, California, in February.
The Teamsters won an unfair labor practice complaint filed against SNDL Inc. SNDL+2.56%+ Free Alerts
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Teamsters unionized nearly 400 cannabis workers since Jan. 1st.
Sunnyside Dispensary in Buffalo Grove, Ill. and more than 300 drivers and warehouse workers at cannabis delivery service Grassdoor joined the Teamsters in January.
