#USA #Teamsters #labor rights #Ascend Wellness #Barry

Teamsters Local 916 Initiates a Strike Against Ascend Wellness

In a significant labor movement, more than 300 members of Teamsters Local 916 have gone on strike at Ascend Wellness, a leading cannabis cultivation company located in Barry, Illinois. This action is a result of what the union describes as unfair labor practices (ULPs) by the company, including their failure to engage in meaningful contract negotiations with the workforce. This marks a crucial moment as it is the first time Teamsters have launched a strike at a cannabis grow house.

JP Fyans, the President of Teamsters Local 916, voiced strong discontent over the company's practices, stating, "Ascend caused this strike by refusing to bargain a fair contract with the workers who make this company run." The standoff escalated when the company allegedly dismissed a member of the bargaining committee, which union officials claim was a retaliatory move. Fyans emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated and affirmed the union's commitment to standing against unfair treatment.

The core of the workers' grievances revolves around critical issues including wage increases, health care benefits, and overtime compensation. Employees from Teamsters Local 916 are involved in various essential activities ranging from cultivation and processing to packaging and distribution of cannabis products for dispensaries across Illinois. The strike is likely to have repercussions on the state’s cannabis supply chain, potentially leading to product shortages as negotiations remain stalled.

Jesse Case, the Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, stated, "This is one of the largest multi-state cannabis operators in the country. They can afford to bargain a fair contract instead of wasting time and money disrespecting our members." He highlighted the importance of ensuring that workers receive equitable treatment similar to their counterparts at Ascend's dispensaries, promising that the union would persist until these standards are met.

Shane Wilmer, an Ascend cultivator and proud member of Local 916, shared his sentiments regarding the need for the company to recognize the role of its workers in building its success. He insisted that if Ascend aspires to continue thriving, it must prioritize the well-being and empowerment of the very workers who have contributed to its achievements. "We are proud of the work we do, but we're not afraid of a fight. Ascend needs to acknowledge that our concerns are serious and must be addressed," he added, underscoring the determination of the workforce.

Teamsters Local 916 represents over 4,000 workers across Illinois, spanning from Chicago to Carbondale, as well as from East Saint Louis to Champaign. The organization is committed to advocating for labor rights and ensuring that its members have a voice in their employment conditions.

As the situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching the potential impact on the cannabis industry in Illinois, as well as how this strike might influence labor relations within the broader sector. Workers and union leaders remain resolute, emphasizing that ensuring fair and just conditions is not just about securing a contract but about standing up against retaliatory and unjust practices in the workplace. For further information on this developing story, visit Teamsters Local 916.