Cannabis Workers Seal Landmark Deal in Illinois

LOS ANGELES– In a significant development in the burgeoning cannabis industry, workers at three Rise dispensaries in Illinois have successfully ratified their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. Rise, a subsidiary of the multi-state operator Green Thumb Industries (GTI), has been at the center of a prolonged negotiation process, which has now culminated in a landmark agreement covering employees at two locations in Joliet and one in Niles.

The ratification of this agreement signals the end of what has been described as a “protracted fight” by the Teamsters Local 777, the union representing the workers. This dispute included a notable 13-day work stoppage that concluded in May, marking the longest strike at a cannabis retailer to date. Jim Glimco, the president of Local 777, emphasized the resilience of the union in their negotiations, stating that the “fight should be a lesson to cannabis companies all across the country and not just Illinois – Teamsters don’t back down.”

The newly ratified agreement encompasses several key benefits for the workers, including a cumulative wage increase of 18% over the duration of the contract. Additionally, the agreement guarantees attendance bonuses, a seniority-based scheduling policy, and provisions for tips and discounts. In a bid to foster a safer and more secure work environment, improved safety standards have been established, alongside protections against unjust termination or disciplinary actions.

Reilly Drew, a Rise employee who was part of the bargaining committee, hailed the agreement as “historic.” Drew reflected on the journey of the workers, stating, “We started as a small but united group of workers. Over the last year and a half, we have grown to be a strong union, changed our workplace for the better, and forged a bright path forward for workers in our industry.”

This development in Illinois could potentially serve as a blueprint for negotiations in other states, as the cannabis industry continues to evolve and expand. It underscores the growing emphasis on safeguarding workers’ rights and fostering improved working conditions in the sector, which is still in its nascent stages of corporate development.

As the cannabis industry navigates its path towards maturity, the role of collective bargaining agreements such as this one may become increasingly significant, setting precedents for labor relations nationwide. This agreement not only marks a victory for the workers at Rise dispensaries but also signals a potential shift in the broader landscape of labor relations within the cannabis industry.