Teamsters Strike at Ascend Wellness for Fair Labor Practices

The Facts -

Strike at Ascend Wellness: Teamsters Seek Fair Contract

Contact Information: Matt McQuaid, Tel: (9771) 241-0015, Email: mmcquaid@teamster.org

(BARRY, Ill.) – In response to alleged unfair labor practices by Ascend Wellness, over 300 workers affiliated with Teamsters Local 916 have initiated a strike. This marks a historic first for Teamsters at a cannabis cultivation facility.

Teamsters Local 916 President JP Fyans accused Ascend of triggering the strike by failing to negotiate a fair contract. "They illegally fired a bargaining committee member to retaliate against them. We will not tolerate that kind of bullshit from anyone," Fyans stated.

The core issues at stake include demands for higher wages, better health care benefits, and fairer overtime arrangements. Given that these workers are integral to the cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution of cannabis products in Illinois, the strike could significantly affect the state's supply chain.

Jesse Case, the Teamsters Food Processing Division's Director, remarked that Ascend, being a major player in the multistate cannabis industry, has the financial capacity to fairly negotiate with its workers. “These workers deserve the same standard that Teamsters at Ascend dispensaries enjoy, and we won’t stop until we get it,” he asserted.

Speaking from the perspective of the workers, Ascend cultivator and Local 916 member Shane Wilmer emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing their concerns. "We are proud of the work we do, but we’re not afraid of a fight," he said. "Ascend needs to know that our concerns are serious and must be addressed."

Teamsters Local 916 represents a diverse workforce of over 4,000 individuals across Illinois. For further details, visit teamsters916.org.

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