[PRESS RELEASE] EVANSTON, Ill., Nov. 22, 2024 — Cannabis advisers and agents-in-charge at the Zen Leaf cannabis dispensary in Evanston, Ill., voted unanimously to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 777. Zen Leaf is a subsidiary of multistate operator Verano Holdings.
“We successfully negotiated and ratified this collective bargaining agreement in less than three months, which is probably the fastest turnaround we’ve had for a first contract in this industry,” Local 777 President Jim Glimco said. “We’re organizing and winning contracts faster than ever before because everyone in this field recognizes we’re a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations to all of the workers who stuck together to demand a contract with the same high standards we’ve secured for other multistate cannabis operators in Illinois.”
The three-year contract includes several improvements. These include more paid holidays, a minimum 14% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, due process during disciplinary matters, and a guarantee that a successor employer will assume the contract if another company buys the dispensary. The workers also get retirement benefits, something that is only available to union members at the company.
“Cannabis workers are organizing and bargaining better contracts faster because they know a Teamsters contract brings stability to their jobs and respect from the industry for the work they do,” Teamsters Food Processing Division Director Jesse Case said.
Founded in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Chicago area. For more information, go to Teamsters777.org.
