Teamsters Local 916 Cannabis Workers at Ascend Vote to Authorize Strike

June 8, 2026 June 8, 2026

Editorial Staff

The Facts -

Teamsters Local 916 voted 92% to authorize a strike for a fair contract.

Workers seek fair wages, affordable healthcare, and workplace protections.

Ascend is accused of using delay tactics against cannabis workers.

Cannabis Employees at Ascend Wellness in Illinois Poised for Strike Action Amid Contract Dispute

In the small town of Barry, Illinois, tensions are rising as cannabis workers take significant steps toward a potential strike. The employees of Teamsters Local 916 at Ascend Wellness have overwhelmingly voted, with a 92% majority, to authorize a strike in their struggle to secure a fair initial contract. This group of workers plays a crucial role in cultivating, processing, packaging, and distributing cannabis products for one of the leading multistate cannabis operators in the United States.

Teamsters Local 916 President, JP Fyans, voiced frustration over the prolonged negotiations, stating, “After more than a year at the bargaining table, our members have had enough of this company’s delay tactics. Ascend’s executives have no problem paying union-busting attorneys to drag out negotiations, but when workers demand a fair contract, they suddenly claim they can’t afford it.”

The workers' demands focus on achieving fair compensation, affordable health benefits, and robust workplace protections. Multiple unfair labor practice (ULP) charges have been lodged against Ascend, including an alleged case where a bargaining committee member was singled out due to union involvement.

Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, emphasized the core of the workers' demands, 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.”

From the perspective of the workers, Shane Wilmer, an Ascend cultivator and member of Local 916, highlighted 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. For more information, visit teamsters916.org.