Teamster-Led 'Longest Strike' In Cannabis History Ends After 13 Days, Negotiations Are Still Ongoing

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 GTBIF, to raise wages by 50% during the strike, according to the press release. Workers are now returning to their jobs and demanding that wage increases be made permanent.

"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."

Green Thumb released statement: “The strike is over, and we are pleased to welcome our team members back to work. Negotiations are still ongoing, and an agreement has yet to be reached. Green Thumb did not offer a wage increase to end the strike or pay employees to cross the picket line."

"We continue to be deeply disappointed by the misinformation and self-serving guidance that the Teamsters Union is providing to our employees," the company added. "Green Thumb has and will continue to respect the rights of our employees while following all applicable federal and state labor laws. We remain available and committed to working toward an agreement.”

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

• 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.

Photo: Benzinga edit with photos by Bits And Splits and Oleksandrum on Shutterstock