August 25, 2022

Local 881 Adds Three More Dispensaries to Its Growing Cannabis Union!

Dispensary Workers Across Illinois are Joining Local 881 for Better Cannabis Careers

ILLINOIS – Three more dispensaries have been added to the growing list of workers joining Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois. The recent Union representation elections have occurred in dispensaries across the state including: Maribis (Springfield), The Dispensary (East Dubuque), and Consume (Marion).

Although the workers are from different companies and represent different regions of the state, they are experiencing similar frustrations. The workers have partnered with Local 881 to help establish their voice in the workplace. The workers want to increase their wages and benefits, clarify policies and procedures, and gain the much-needed respect for their numerous contributions to making this industry successful!

On August 18, 2022, Maribis in Springfield, IL UNANIMOUSLY won their election by mail-in ballot. The election will be officially certified with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) within the week.

“I started trying to unionize my workplace to try to protect myself and my coworkers from greedy thoughtless policies that seemed to come down from management every single day.” Skyler Collins – Maribis, Springfield, IL

“The recent behavior by management and owners concerned us and motivated us to organize. One team, one motivation and that is for our overall betterment! We wanted to be heard and recognized for the work we have done and will continue to do.” Angela Eagan – Maribis, Springfield, IL

On August 9, 2022, The Dispensary in East Dubuque, IL won their election by mail-in ballot. The election was officially certified by the NLRB on August 18, 2022.

“I am so incredibly proud of my work family! We ALL came together and made our voices heard! Thank you UFCW Local 881!” Dave Oliver – The Dispensary, East Dubuque, IL

On July 18, 2022, Consume Dispensary in Marion, IL won their election by mail in ballot. The election was officially certified by the NLRB on July 29, 2022.

“We make people’s lives better every day with this incredible medicine. We need to fight for our own beliefs when corporations try to turn their backs on us and our patients.” Corey Robinson – Consume Marion

“I want to thank my coworkers for demonstrating what work family really means and Local 881 for welcoming us with open arms. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Clara Waltemate – Consume Marion

Cannabis workers are joining with Local 881 to make meaningful change to the cannabis industry in Illinois. Local 881 has successfully negotiated for wage increases, paid leave, employee discounts, a robust grievance procedure, and stronger contractual protections for cannabis workers. Local 881 ratified contracts include: Ascend, Cresco, and Sunnyside. For over a decade, Local 881 has been fighting to ensure that the cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to our communities.

To learn more about the fight to improve the cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

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Contact:
Teresa Ramirez-Gonzalez, Local 881 Director of Organizing
[email protected] | 847-294-5064, x307

Local 881 UFCW represents 34,000 members employed in retail food and drug stores throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana, cannabis workers in Illinois, as well as a professional division comprised of health and nursing home workers, barbers and cosmetologists, and workers in other retail and service industries. Among the companies under contract with Local 881 are Jewel Food Stores, Osco Drug, Mariano’s, CVS Pharmacy, Kroger, Schnucks, Conagra Brands, Cresco, Sunnyside, and many smaller chains and independent stores, and other business establishments. Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

February 18, 2022

Cannabis isn’t just an entry-level hospitality gig

Zen Leaf Dispensary Workers are the latest to join Local 881’s growing cannabis union!

Highland Park, IL – Today workers at Zen Leaf/Verano cannabis dispensary in Highland Park celebrated the certification of their recent Union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois.

Due to Covid concerns, the National Labor Relations Board counted the mail-in ballots over zoom on February 10, 2022. An overwhelming majority of the 26 workers at the dispensary voted to join the Union. These workers voted yes to join Local 881 UFCW hoping to dramatically improve their working conditions.

Zen Leaf workers in Highland Park reached out to Local 881 in November, out of frustration with many workplace issues at the dispensary. The company’s lack of respect for the workers and their knowledge of cannabis was a driving factor in the organizing campaign.

“We’re elated and excited to move forward as the first Zen Leaf in Illinois to unionize! The work that frontline cannabis workers do is incredibly undervalued. This isn’t just an entry-level hospitality gig; we are working closely with people’s mental health and debilitating medical conditions,” explained Akemi Almeida, Zen Leaf Highland Park Agent in Charge. “We love our patients and our jobs – we also know there is a significant misdistribution of wealth in the cannabis industry that needs to be addressed! We are happy to reclaim our voice, inspire other, and begin to set a new standard for the cannabis industry.”

The Zen Leaf workers in Highland Park are hoping to gain:

- Better wages and affordable benefits
- A safer workplace, especially COVID-19 protocols and better contact tracing and communication from management when workers test positive
- A voice at the table to create clear policies and procedure and the ability to address workplace issues
- A grievance procedure, and
- Respect in the workplace

“We believe workers deserve so much better than the horrible gig model big cannabis company’s offer,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “Cannabis companies are raking in profits on the backs of their dedicated and knowledgeable frontline workers. We look forward to helping the workers of Zen Leaf Highland Park raise their voices to create a better future for themselves in cannabis, by negotiating real workplace change and security through a Local 881 union contract.”

Cannabis workers across the state are joining with Local 881 to make meaningful change to the cannabis industry in Illinois. Local 881 is proud to be the only union with ratified cannabis contracts in Illinois, representing the Cresco cultivation center in Joliet and Sunnyside Dispensaries in Chicago-Lakeview and Champaign. For more information about the fight to improve the cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org.

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Contact:
Maggie Vis, Local 881 Director of Communications
[email protected] | 847-294-5064, x343

Local 881 UFCW represents 34,000 members employed in retail food and drug stores throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana, cannabis workers in Illinois, as well as a professional division comprised of health and nursing home workers, barbers and cosmetologists, and workers in other retail and service industries. Among the companies under contract with Local 881 are Jewel Food Stores, Osco Drug, Mariano’s, CVS Pharmacy, Kroger, Schnucks, Conagra Brands, Cresco, Sunnyside, and many smaller chains and independent stores, and other business establishments. Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

January 27, 2022

Sunnyside Champaign Dispensary Workers Ratify their Union Contract!

Local 881 successfully negotiates it’s third cannabis union contract.

Champaign, IL – Cannabis workers at the Sunnyside in Champaign voted to ratify their first Cannabis Union contract on January 20, 2022. Sunnyside is owned and operated by the large and profitable national cannabis company, Cresco. The 22 dispensary workers are represented by Local 881, of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois. This is the third Local 881 union contract ratified by Illinois cannabis workers, in just two years since legalization.

Sunnyside Champaign workers began organizing to join the Local 881 union in March 2021. The workers were motivated to improve their working conditions, citing issues at the dispensary such as low wages, inadequate benefits, unpredictable scheduling of hours, and no proper training. An overwhelming majority of the dispensary workers voted to join Local 881 on June 17, 2021.

The Sunnyside Champaign workers were united in their desire and fight to make their cannabis industry jobs real careers. After months of negotiations, Local 881 was successful in negotiating a contract that addressed many of the workers concerns, including annual wage increases, a ratification bonus, guaranteed PTO schedule with Wellness Days added, a set employee product discount, and a robust grievance procedure to dispute discipline.

“It feels great to finally have a contract! Unionizing has been a long process, but it absolutely paid off. We now have a contract that was drafted with the help of employee representatives, and the staff at Sunnyside Champaign were able to make their voices heard by voting yes,” remarked Sarah Holder, Sunnyside Champaign Wellness Advisor. “The fact that we helped set the terms of our employment really brings a sense of ownership and job security that was previously missing. It feels amazing knowing that Local 881 is on our side!”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that dispensary workers are more passionate about the cannabis plant than anyone that works in the corporate office. Some of us have been handling and learning about this plant for longer than Cresco has been a company. We are the ones with the cannabis knowledge and the know-how. We are bringing the customers back every week, not company sales or ads. We are a huge part of this industry, and we deserve representation and to be treated fairly,” explained Ramy Akram-Ahmed, a Sunnyside Champaign Wellness Advisor. “Working with Local 881 has helped us to learn about what’s possible and about what we deserve. We now have representation that has our best interests in mind. After months and months of negotiations, it’s exciting that all the hard work that went into this contract has come to fruition. I hope that along with improving the conditions at our store, this contract also benefits the entire industry and many other cannabis workers.”

“More and more cannabis workers are learning the hard truth that cannabis corporations will choose profit over their people every time. At the same time, they are also realizing that the secure path to a real cannabis career is not through empty employer promises, but rather by standing up as a united group of workers with a strong Union on your side,” said Steven Powell, President, Local 881 UFCW. “Local 881 is thrilled to welcome the Sunnyside Champaign dispensary workers into our union family and we consider it a great privilege to be their representatives, we look forward to holding their employer accountable and enforcing their contract.

Cannabis workers across the state are joining with Local 881 to make meaningful change to the cannabis industry in Illinois. Local 881 is committed to ensuring that the cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to the communities when it lobbied for their support for legalization. Local 881 is proud to be the only union with ratified cannabis contracts in Illinois, representing the Cresco cultivation center in Joliet and Sunnyside Dispensaries in Chicago-Lakeview and Champaign. For more information about the fight to improve the cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org.

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Contact:
Maggie Vis, Local 881 Director of Communications
[email protected] | 847-294-5064, x343

Local 881 UFCW represents 34,000 members employed in retail food and drug stores throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana, cannabis workers in Illinois, as well as a professional division comprised of health and nursing home workers, barbers and cosmetologists, and workers in other retail and service industries. Among the companies under contract with Local 881 are Jewel Food Stores, Osco Drug, Mariano’s, CVS Pharmacy, Kroger, Schnucks, Conagra Brands, and many smaller chains and independent stores, as well as nursing homes and other business establishments. Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

January 5, 2022

Curaleaf Cannabis Workers Fight Back by Joining Local 881!

When workers describe corporate tactics comparable to a post-apocalyptic totalitarian society, you have to wonder, what will it take to hold the cannabis industry accountable for its actions? The money just keeps rolling in for these cannabis corporations and the workers are clearly not benefiting or being treated as they deserve.

Grace Baffoe, a Product Specialist at the Curaleaf Cannabis Dispensary in Skokie, Illinois, reached out to Local 881 in September when she and her coworkers had reached a breaking point. Like many cannabis workers, Grace was excited to be a part of this growing industry because of her passion for helping people learn about the benefits of cannabis. The cannabis company she had joined had recently been through a corporate merger and was now the world’s largest multi-state cannabis company. As the company grew and evolved, what had been an exciting job opportunity in a promising industry, quickly changed to a very toxic work environment. As Grace explained:

I joined the company with all this hope for what being a part of the cannabis industry could be. But after awhile, it felt like the building had no heart, and no one had a stake in the day-to-day operations. It’s any easy product to sell, people are willing to wait in line. Corporations aren’t compelled to take care of the workers making it happen as long as the money keeps rolling in.

We kept waiting for things to get better. All we heard were false promises. Some of our coworkers got promoted, but then were pitted against each other to battle for who would get the raise in pay. It was like being in ‘The Hunger Games!’ In the end, all the workers got was more responsibility and NO ONE got an increase!

I have always been a food worker myself. I have family members who were part of the UFCW. I really became sure of Local 881 as a group that could help make cannabis more equitable, because I learned that they helped push through the legalization law in Illinois. I knew that, unlike my corporate bosses, Local 881 had respect for both the plant and for the people working in the cannabis industry. We think a Union contract is our best chance to change this industry for the better and get the respect we deserve.

Grace isn’t alone. Since October, three separate Curaleaf dispensaries (in Worth, Mokena, and Skokie) have voted to join Local 881, because of similar stories of corporate greed and disturbing management practices. Nearly a year into legalization, cannabis workers across Illinois are starting to see the underbelly of working in the industry.

Dispensary workers have reported the following issues:

- Low wages
- Hours being cut
- Union-busting
- Facility and equipment issues (like toilets that do not flush)
- Schedules being posted with no advance notice
- Lack of benefits or job security
- A ‘Hunger Games’-like approach to promotions and raises
- Corporate culture that enables manager’s disrespect of workers

Although the cannabis products and environment seem progressive and cutting edge, the cannabis industry business methods are direct from the old school big corporation playbook, doing all they can to make a buck, while squeezing their employees. The cannabis industry needs to be held accountable for how they treat their workers, and the best way to do that is for cannabis workers to join Local 881!

We are incredibly proud of these brave workers who are standing up for positive and meaningful change in this industry and we are proud to support them. Local 881 is proud to be the first and only Union to negotiate Cannabis contracts in Illinois with Cresco Labs in Joliet and with the Sunnyside Dispensary in Chicago (Lakeview). Local 881 has been successful in negotiating wage increases, more paid leave, increased employee product discount, a robust grievance procedure, and stronger protection language for cannabis workers. Local 881 is committed to ensuring that the cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to the communities when it lobbied for their support for legalization.

If you know someone working in the Cannabis industry. Tell them about Local 881’s fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

November 19, 2021

May the Odds Be Ever in Favor of Cannabis Workers!

Dispensary workers at Curaleaf Skokie choose Local 881, hoping to improve their ‘Hunger Games’ working environment.

For Immediate Release

Skokie, IL – On November 18, 2021 cannabis workers at the Curaleaf dispensary in Skokie overwhelmingly won their union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the union for cannabis workers in Illinois. Curaleaf, one of the largest multi-state cannabis companies, currently operates 10 dispensaries in Illinois.

Curaleaf Skokie dispensary workers voted 27-5 to join Local 881 UFCW. This is the third Curaleaf dispensary to join Local 881 in just a few short weeks. Dispensary workers from the Curaleaf locations in Mokena and Worth also voted overwhelmingly to join Local 881 hoping to bring much needed improvements to their dispensaries.

Workers at the Skokie location have reported disturbing practices and trends, including:

- Toilets that do not flush and other facility and equipment issues
- Hours being cut
- Lack of benefits or job security
- Schedules being posted with little or no advance notice
- A ‘Hunger Games’ approach to promotions and raises
- Corporate culture that enables disrespect of workers by management

“We keep waiting for things to get better. All we hear are false promises. Some of our coworkers were promoted, but then were pitted against each other to battle for who would get a raise in pay. It was like being in the Hunger Games! In the end, all the workers got was more responsibility and NO ONE got an increase! said Grace Baffoe, Product Specialist at Curaleaf Skokie.

“We believe Local 881 can help us, because they helped push through the legalization law in Illinois. I know that, unlike my corporate bosses, Local 881 has respect for both the plant and for the people working in the cannabis industry. We think a Union contract is our best chance to change this industry for the better and get the respect we deserve.”

“The money keeps rolling in for these large multi-state cannabis corporations. The workers are clearly not benefiting or being treated as they deserve. The communities that supported cannabis legislation and welcomed these companies are not benefiting either,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President.

“When a worker describes corporate tactics comparable to a post-apocalyptic totalitarian society, you have to wonder, what will it take to hold the cannabis industry accountable for its actions towards workers? We are incredibly proud of these brave workers who are standing up for positive and meaningful change in this industry.”

Local 881 is committed to ensuring that the cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to the communities when it lobbied for their support for legalization.

For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

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Contact: Teresa Ramirez-Gonzalez, Local 881 Director of Organizing
[email protected] | 630-254-3090

November 2, 2021

Curaleaf Dispensary Workers Want a Voice in their Workplace!

Curaleaf Mokena workers voted to join Local 881 UFCW, the union for cannabis workers in Illinois.

For Immediate Release

Mokena, IL – On November 2, 2021 cannabis workers at the Curaleaf dispensary in Mokena won their union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the union for cannabis workers in Illinois. Curaleaf, one of the largest multi-state cannabis companies, currently operates 10 dispensaries in Illinois.

“Nearly a year into legalization, cannabis workers across Illinois are starting to see the underbelly of working in the industry. Dispensary workers report low wages, lack of benefits, significant scheduling issues, favoritism, and union-busting,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “Although the cannabis products and environment seem progressive and cutting edge, the cannabis industry business methods are direct from the old school big corporation playbook, doing all they can to make a buck, while squeezing their employees. The cannabis industry needs to be held accountable for how they treat their workers, and the best way to do that is for cannabis workers to join Local 881!”

The National Labor Relations Board will certify the results of the election in seven days barring objections. Curaleaf Mokena dispensary workers voted 19-3 to join Local 881 UFCW. A wave of Curaleaf workers in Illinois are voting to join Local 881’s Cannabis Union to bring improvements to their dispensaries. Just last week on October 20th, workers at the Curaleaf in Worth, IL voted overwhelmingly to join Local 881 in their Union Representation Election. Later this month, Curaleaf workers at the dispensary in Skokie, will also have their opportunity to join Local 881.

“I work for one of the one of the largest cannabis companies in the United States yet make about the same wage as an Amazon worker. Our CEO buys a $14 million dollar mansion in Florida, while denying his workers a living wage. This industry is new and growing and I believe it is important for us to protect the workers, the backbone of this industry by unionizing our workplaces,” said Patrick Vinson, Patient Care Specialist, Curaleaf Mokena. “I can say from the bottom of my heart that I believe every dispensary, cultivation site and processing facility should be unionizing for proper wage increases and benefits as this industry continues to boom. Today my coworkers and I from Curaleaf Mokena came together to make sure we have just as much of a voice about our workplace as the shareholders do. Union Strong!”

Local 881 is proud to be the first and only Union to negotiate Cannabis contracts in Illinois with Cresco Labs in Joliet and with the Sunnyside Dispensary in Chicago (Lakeview). Local 881 has been successful in negotiating wage increases, more paid leave, increased employee product discount, a robust grievance procedure, and stronger protection language for cannabis workers. Local 881 is committed to ensuring that the cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to the communities when it lobbied for their support for legalization.

For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

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Contact: Teresa Ramirez-Gonzalez, Local 881 Director of Organizing
[email protected] | 630-254-3090

October 21, 2021

Curaleaf Workers are Showing their Strength and Worth!

Cannabis workers from Curaleaf are joining Local 881 to change the booming cannabis industry!

For Immediate Release

Worth, IL – On October 20, 2021 cannabis workers at the Curaleaf dispensary in Worth won their Union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois. Curaleaf, one of the largest multi-state cannabis companies, currently operates 10 dispensaries in Illinois.

The workers were motivated to unionize, after watching their coworkers at the Chicago Weed Street Curaleaf/Windy City Cannabis dispensary join Local 881 UFCW earlier in March. Workers at the Curaleaf Worth dispensary cited issues such as inadequate wages, scheduling problems, lack of benefits, and the need for more COVID-19 protections. As the workers began to speak up about their concerns, the company enlisted third-party anti-union consultants and HR reps to discourage the workers from unionizing.

“I’m so proud that we were able to find our power and voice through this campaign. Curaleaf is making record profits while the workers are struggling to pay bills. They offer us crumbs and tell us we should be grateful, it’s time we demand more.” explained DJ, a Patient Counselor at the Worth Curaleaf. “We are so excited to negotiate for better pay, working conditions, and dignity in the workplace.”

The National Labor Relations Board will certify the results of the election in seven days barring objections. An overwhelming majority of the 35 workers at the dispensary voted to join Local 881 UFCW. These workers voted yes to join the Union hoping to dramatically improve their working conditions. Local 881 is proud to be working with Curaleaf workers across Illinois. In the next two weeks, the Curaleaf dispensary workers from Skokie and Mokena will vote in their union representation elections.

“Illinois welcomed the cannabis industry with open arms and the larger companies, like Curaleaf, are clearly reaping all the benefits and posting major revenue gains. Recreational cannabis legislation promised these companies would provide good jobs and benefit local communities. It’s clear now that the companies need to be held accountable for how they operate and more importantly how they treat their workers,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “Local 881 has been proud to help create better careers for cannabis workers, and we look forward to negotiating the security that only a union contract can provide for the Curaleaf workers.”

For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

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Contact: Teresa Ramirez-Gonzalez, Local 881 Director of Organizing
[email protected] | 630-254-3090

June 17, 2021

More Sunnyside Workers Join 881’s Growing Cannabis Union!

The Champaign Dispensary is the third Cresco location to join Local 881, the Union for Illinois Cannabis Workers

For Immediate Release

Champaign, IL – Today workers at Sunnyside cannabis dispensary in Champaign won their Union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois.

Sunnyside is owned and operated by the large and profitable national cannabis company, Cresco. This is the third group of Cresco workers to join Local 881’s rapidly-growing cannabis Union. Local 881 is proud to be the first and only Union to negotiate Cannabis contracts in Illinois with Cresco Labs in Joliet and the Sunnyside Dispensary in Chicago (Lakeview). In both of these contracts, Local 881 was successful in negotiating wage increases, more paid leave, increased employee product discount, a robust grievance procedure, and stronger protection language for the workers.

“We are so excited to move forward! Personally, I’m so proud of all my coworkers for standing together to tell the company that WE KNOW OUR VALUE!” said Ramy Akram-Ahmed, a Sunnyside Champaign Wellness Advisor. “This is not only a huge day for us but also the cannabis industry!”

An overwhelming majority of the 25 workers at the dispensary voted to join the Union. The Sunnyside Champaign workers voted yes to join Local 881 UFCW hoping to dramatically improve their working conditions. The workers have cited issues at the dispensary such as low wages, inadequate benefits, unpredictable scheduling of hours, and no proper training. The results of the election will be certified by the National Labor Relations Board in seven days barring objections from the employer.

“Illinois welcomed the cannabis industry with open arms and the larger companies are clearly reaping all the benefits. Recreational cannabis legislation promised these companies would provide good jobs and benefit local communities” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “We strongly believe that these big cannabis companies have the ability to do so much better for their workers. Local 881 has been proud to help create better careers for cannabis workers, and we look forward to negotiating the security that only a Union contract can provide for the Sunnyside Champaign workers.”

“I’m so proud of what we achieved!” remarked Sarah Holder, a Sunnyside Champaign Wellness Advisor. “We were able to come together to demand better working conditions, and I hope this encourages other dispensaries across Illinois to do the same!“

Cannabis workers across the state are joining with Local 881 to make meaningful change to the Cannabis industry in Illinois. Just recently two other Illinois dispensaries, Windy City Cannabis on Weed Street and Ascend in Downtown Springfield, also voted to join Local 881. Local 881 is committed to ensuring that the Cannabis industry lives up to the promises it made to the communities when it lobbied for their support for legalization. For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILcannabisworkersunited.org

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April 20, 2021

Ascend Dispensary Workers Celebrate 4/20 by Voting Union Yes

Ascend Workers in Springfield join the growing Union movement to change the Illinois cannabis industry!

For Immediate Release

Springfield, IL – Today workers at the Ascend Dispensary in downtown Springfield won their Union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois. “I hope that this win can be a positive step forward for everybody. This victory will provide workers a voice in the workplace and a future in this industry,” said Eric Craddock, an Ascend Dispensary Agent.

Ascend Wellness Holdings, which owns the Springfield dispensary, was established in 2018, and describes itself as “one of the largest privately-held U.S. multistate operators in the cannabis industry.” It owns at least 15 dispensaries, including six in Illinois, and has more on the way.

“Illinois cannabis sales topped $1 Billion in 2020. These companies can afford to respect their workers! Respect and decency are not expensive business practices. This industry should be creating stable careers, not operating cannabis sweatshops,” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “We look forward to beginning negotiations and we are proud to stand with these brave workers from Ascend as they voice their concerns while working on the front lines!”

Today, on 4/20, the National Labor Relations Board counted the mail-in ballots over zoom for the Springfield dispensary employees. The results of the election will be certified in seven days barring objections from the employer. An overwhelming majority of the counted ballots voted to join the Union. These workers voted yes to join Local 881 UFCW hoping to dramatically improve the dispensary by negotiating for better wages, benefits, increased Covid-19 protections, and a voice in their workplace. April 20^th has become an international counterculture holiday, where people gather to celebrate and consume cannabis. 4/20 is synonymous with calls to action within the cannabis community. It’s a fitting day for the Ascend workers to celebrate their Union victory!

Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the UFCW, which is proud to represent tens of thousands of cannabis workers across multiple states. UFCW members in the legal cannabis industry work in cultivation, manufacturing, processing, laboratories, and dispensaries. Ascend Springfield is the fourth group of cannabis workers to join Local 881 since 2020. Windy City Weed Street workers, recently won their Union Election and the workers at Cresco (Joliet) and Sunnyside (Lakeview) have both recently ratified their Union Contracts negotiated by Local 881 UFCW.

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For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org

March 31, 2021

Stronger Together: Windy City Weed Street Workers Vote Union Yes

Windy City Cannabis workers join the growing Union movement to change the booming cannabis industry!

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – Today workers at Windy City Cannabis on Weed Street in Chicago won their Union representation election and will join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the Union for Cannabis Workers in Illinois. Windy City Cannabis is owned by the Massachusetts-based company Curaleaf, which currently operates 10 dispensary locations in Illinois.

“I am so proud of my co-workers for uniting together and taking this important first step in having our voices be heard in the workplace against a BIG corporation,” said Anna, a Windy City Cannabis employee. “We are going to keep becoming a stronger team here at Weed Street and I’m so excited for the future! I hope other cannabis workers will be inspired to follow in our footsteps. We are stronger together!”

The workers were motivated to Unionize in order to improve their working conditions. The Weed Street workers cited issues at the dispensary such as health and safety, ventilation problems, inadequate wages, lack of benefits, and a serious need for more COVID-19 protocols and protections for employees and customers.

“We have had to endure a lot of anti-union propaganda from the company, but we held strong and the majority of us voted to join the UFCW. We are super excited to start the collective bargaining for better pay, better benefits, and a Union contract,” said Jake, a Product Specialist at Windy City Cannabis. “We hope that our bosses will meet us in good faith at the bargaining table and we hope that more dispensary workers in Chicago join us in fighting for dignity in the workplace. This industry is booming, and we know that we deserve better! Union Strong Baby!”

“Recreational cannabis legislation was passed with the understanding that these would be good Union jobs. The Weed Street workers’ organizing campaign received support from local officials and tweets from high-profile lawmakers including U.S. Representatives, Chuy Garcia (4^th Congressional District) and Jan Schakowsky (9^th Congressional District),” said Steve Powell, Local 881 UFCW President. “The cannabis industry at large needs to follow through on the promises made to our communities. Cannabis workers deserve the right to bargain for respect, good wages, better benefits, and a voice in the workplace! We are so proud of the resolve of the Weed Street workers and we are happy to welcome them into the Union for cannabis workers!”

Local 881 is among the largest affiliates of the UFCW, which is proud to represent tens of thousands of cannabis workers across multiple states. UFCW members in the legal cannabis industry work in cultivation, manufacturing, processing, laboratories, and dispensaries. Windy City Weed Street is the third group of workers to join Local 881. Workers at Cresco (Joliet) and Sunnyside (Lakeview) have both recently ratified their Union Contracts negotiated by Local 881 UFCW.

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For more information about the fight to improve the Cannabis industry in Illinois, visit: ILCannabisWorkersUnited.org