Teamsters Local 916 Authorizes Strike at Ascend Wellness in Illinois

Teamsters Local 916 Authorizes Strike at Ascend Wellness

In a decisive move, members of Teamsters Local 916 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike at Ascend Wellness in Barry, Illinois. With a staggering 92% in favor, the workers, who are involved in the cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution of cannabis products, are striking for their first contract after more than a year of negotiations.

According to JP Fyans, the President of Teamsters Local 916, frustration has reached its peak among the workers due to what they perceive as deliberate delays from Ascend's management. "Our members have had enough of this company's delay tactics," Fyans stated, highlighting how Ascend has been prioritizing hiring union-busting attorneys to prolong the process over addressing the needs of its employees.

The primary demands from the workers include securing fair wages, affordable healthcare, and enhanced workplace protections. Additionally, grievances surrounding Ascend's labor practices have led the union to file multiple unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against the cannabis operator. Notably, one charge alleges that a bargaining committee member faced repercussions for engaging in union activities.

Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, expressed strong support for the workers, saying, "Cannabis workers at Ascend are fighting for the stability and respect that should come with any good job. The Teamsters are committed to helping our members build long-term careers at this company. We will not allow Ascend's reckless conduct to continue."

Shane Wilmer, who works as a cultivator at Ascend and is a member of Local 916, emphasized the financial success of the company, stating, "Ascend brings in millions of dollars every year off of our backs. This company can afford to give us the contract we deserve. We are ready to do whatever necessary to get a fair contract, and we are not afraid to strike if that's what it takes."

Teamsters Local 916 represents over 4,000 workers across Illinois, stretching from Chicago to Carbondale and from East Saint Louis to Champaign. The strike authorization is not just a fight for their current rights, but also a pivotal moment for labor movements, especially in the evolving cannabis industry.

As these negotiations progress, the solidarity among workers grows stronger, and the unfolding situation at Ascend Wellness sets a significant precedent for the cannabis workforce nationwide. For further updates and more information about the Teamsters Local 916, interested parties can visit their official website at teamsters916.org.