Teamsters Local 777 members at three RISE dispensaries—operated by multistate cannabis operator Green Thumb Industries—ratified their first collective bargaining agreements Sept. 5.
The agreements come at two RISE dispensary locations in Joliet and one in Niles, where a strike occurred earlier this year.
“This fight should be a lesson to cannabis companies all across the country and not just Illinois—Teamsters don’t back down,” Local 777 President Jim Glimco said in a public statement. “A lot of people who went through what these men and women went through would’ve thrown in the towel. Not this group. They’re young, energetic, tough, smart; they look out for one another, and they embody what being a part of this union is all about.”
The contracts codify several benefits and include 18% wage increases over the lifetime of the agreement, attendance bonuses, a scheduling policy based on seniority, guaranteed tips and discounts, improved safety standards, and protection against unjust termination or discipline.
“We’re happy that we were able to reach an agreement that was both amenable to all parties involved and consistent with the high standards that Teamsters have for our collective bargaining agreements,” Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Food Processing Division Director Peter Finn said in a public statement. “We look forward to having a productive relationship with GTI moving forward, and to continuing our effort to bring more long-term, prosperous careers to workers at this company.”
“I could not be prouder of myself and my co-workers for achieving this first, historic collective bargaining agreement,” said Reilly Drew, a RISE worker who served on the bargaining committee. “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.”
