Striking for Fairness: Cannabis Workers Rally at Herbal Wellness Center

In a bold move for labor rights, employees at the Herbal Wellness Center in Columbus, Ohio, have embarked on a strike aimed at securing fair treatment and better working conditions. The decision to halt operations stems from a series of unfair labor practices (ULPs) that the workers claim have been perpetuated by the management. Alongside their union, Teamsters Local 413, these cannabis dispensary workers are making it clear that they will not back down until their demands for a fair contract are met.

Tony Jones, President of Teamsters Local 413, voiced the sentiments of the workers, insisting that the management has the power to meet their requests. “There’s no reason the employer can’t provide these workers with what they’re demanding — annual wage increases, seniority, and protection from unjust discipline.” This sentiment reflects a broader demand for consolidated labor rights in the cannabis industry, where the conditions are often less robust than in more established sectors.

The workers had previously organized with Teamsters Local 413 back in 2023 when the dispensary operated under the name Strawberry Fields. The subsequent acquisition by Vext Science marked a significant shift in management tactics, with reports of delayed negotiations and avoidance of good faith bargaining. A request by Vext Science for a re-run election through the National Labor Relations Board was denied, indicating a lack of cooperativeness that has now culminated in the current strike.

Kismet Royce, a lead budtender and a representative on the negotiating committee, expressed the frustration felt among the employees. “Vext Science's stall tactics are an insult to everyone at this dispensary. My co-workers and I are stronger than we've ever been, and we'll be out on strike for as long as it takes to get a fair contract.” This determination is echoed in the solidarity among workers, who are prepared to endure the implications of the strike as they advocate for equitable treatment.

The backdrop of this strike is particularly notable as it follows a similar labor action taken by Teamsters Local 776. Their members have been on strike at a Green Thumb Industries location in York, Pennsylvania, signaling a growing trend within the cannabis sector where workers are increasingly asserting their rights.

Commenting on the situation, Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, remarked, “Vext has chosen to make their business less stable by refusing to bargain fairly with our members. Instead of hiring scabs, they need to prioritize bargaining in good faith toward a first contract.” The use of temporary workers (scabs) during strikes is a contentious topic, often inflaming tensions between management and labor representatives.

Teamsters Local 413 has a diverse representation across various industries in central Ohio, but their recent endeavors within the cannabis sector mark a pivotal moment. As the workers continue their strike efforts, they join a broader national conversation about fair labor practices, wage equity, and the rights of cannabis workers, who historically have faced unique challenges in establishing labor rights within a rapidly evolving industry.

As the situation develops, both employees and their union remain committed to pushing back against unfair labor practices, hoping to create a precedent for future workers within the cannabis sector and beyond. For updates on their progress or to find out more about Teamsters Local 413, interested individuals can visit their website at teamsters413.com.