Workers at Green Thumb Industries’ Rise dispensary in York, Pennsylvania, have ratified their first Teamsters contract following a 45-day strike, the longest successful strike in U.S. cannabis industry history.
The employees, represented by Teamsters Local 776, voted to approve the agreement after nearly seven weeks on the picket line. The new contract includes paid holidays and bereavement leave, guaranteed annual wage increases, and a fair process for disciplinary issues.
“This is a monumental achievement, and it’s entirely due to the grit and bravery of our members,” said Ed Thompson, President of Local 776. “By winning this strike, these men and women have set the stage for thousands of other cannabis workers to join our cause.”
The record-setting strike surpassed the previous benchmark established two years ago by GTI Teamsters in Illinois. Local union leaders say the new contract not only improves working conditions but could also influence other labor negotiations across the expanding cannabis industry.
“This is a perfect example of how Teamsters contracts can bring long-term prosperity to workers throughout this industry,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “By raising the bar at multi-state operators nationwide, our union benefits workers, consumers, and proprietors in cannabis.”
Workers credited strong community and customer support for helping sustain the strike. “The outpouring of support we received from customers, the community, and our union brothers and sisters embodies what solidarity is all about,” said John Stambaugh, a patient care specialist.
Teamsters Local 776 represents thousands of workers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.
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