[PRESS RELEASE] – BARRY, Ill., Aug. 29, 2025 – Workers at Ascend Cannabis in Barry, Ill., have chosen to join the Teamsters, adding 282 cultivation, extraction, facilities, inventory, packaging, post-harvest, and quality assurance employees to the growing ranks of unionized cannabis workers across the country.
Local 916 previously organized drivers and manufacturing workers at Ascend who are now bargaining for their first contract. This new win marks the third group of Ascend employees to gain Teamsters representation.
“This victory is proof that when workers stand together, they have the power to transform their workplaces,” President of Local 916 President JP Fyans said. “Our members at Ascend have already shown what’s possible with a union on their side. Now, even more workers will have a seat at the table, and I want to be clear: Teamsters Local 916 will stand firmly behind them every step of the way until they win the strong contract they deserve.”
The workers at Ascend join a rapidly growing wave of cannabis workers nationwide who are uniting under the Teamsters banner to raise standards in this emerging industry.
“Cannabis workers across the country, from cultivation to retail, are realizing that the Teamsters are the best choice for strong contracts and a real voice in the workplace,” said Jesse Case, director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “We’re ready to keep this momentum going and won’t stop until every cannabis worker who wants a union has one.”
“As agricultural workers, we knew this would be an uphill battle, but we stood together and we found our way,” Ascend cultivation worker Cory Hill said. “Now we’ll be recognized for our countless hours of hard work. Our voices will be not only heard but listened to. I’m so proud to have accomplished this moment together.”
Teamsters Local 916 represents more than 4,000 workers throughout the state of Illinois, from Chicago to Carbondale and East St. Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit teamsters916.org.
