Cannabis workers at a Pennsylvania dispensary walked off the job on Labor Day, demanding better pay and fair treatment from one of America’s biggest weed companies. This bold move highlights growing tensions in the booming industry. What sparked the protest, and could it spread?
Workers at the Rise Dispensary in York County, Pennsylvania, hit the picket lines on September 1, right on Labor Day. They work for Green Thumb Industries, a major player in the cannabis world. The union, Teamsters Local 776, says the company has not bargained in good faith.
This strike comes after 14 months of talks that went nowhere. Employees claim Green Thumb dragged its feet and used bad tactics at the table. They filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, pointing to unfair labor practices.
The action started early this week, with picketers calling for higher wages in a market that’s exploding. Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis scene is hot, but workers say their pay does not match the profits.
One worker shared that long hours and low pay make it hard to get by. The timing on Labor Day adds punch, tying into the holiday’s roots in workers’ rights.
Union Pushes for Change
The Teamsters union represents these dispensary staff. They want a solid contract that covers fair pay, better benefits, and job security. In a thriving cannabis market, they argue workers deserve a bigger slice.
Union leaders point out that Green Thumb made strong earnings in recent quarters. For example, the company’s second quarter 2025 results showed solid revenue, according to their reports. Yet, frontline workers feel left out.
Here are key demands from the union:
- Higher hourly wages to match industry standards.
- Improved health care and retirement options.
- Protections against unfair scheduling.
These points aim to fix what workers call ongoing issues. Talks have dragged since last year, with little progress.
A union rep said the strike is open-ended until Green Thumb steps up. This follows patterns seen in other states, where cannabis workers have pushed back against big firms.
Green Thumb’s Side of the Story
Green Thumb Industries responded quickly to the strike news. They say they have worked in good faith with the union for over a year. The company disagrees with the bad-faith claims.
In a statement, they noted ongoing efforts to reach a deal. “We value our team and remain committed to fair talks,” a spokesperson said. They aim to resolve this without more disruption.
Green Thumb runs Rise Dispensaries across the U.S., with over 100 locations. In Pennsylvania, they have several spots, including this York County site. The company has grown fast, opening new stores like one in Ocala, Florida, earlier this year.
They highlight their role in the community, providing jobs and cannabis products. But critics say growth should not come at workers’ expense.
This is not the first labor dust-up for Green Thumb. Past strikes hit their spots in Illinois back in 2023, over similar unfair practice claims.
Impact on the Cannabis World
This strike could ripple through Pennsylvania’s cannabis market. With medical weed legal since 2016, the industry employs thousands. Disruptions at dispensaries might affect patients who rely on these spots.
York County patients now face possible delays or need to travel farther for meds. One local user worried about access during the protest.
On a bigger scale, it spotlights labor issues in cannabis. As more states legalize, unions are stepping in. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows union membership in retail grew by 5% last year, driven by sectors like this.
| Year | Union Growth in Retail (%) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | Wage demands |
| 2024 | 4 | Benefit pushes |
| 2025 | 5 | Industry booms |
This table shows the trend, based on federal labor data from 2025 reports. Workers in fast-growing fields like cannabis often lead these gains.
Experts say successful strikes here could inspire more actions. In Chicago, similar walkouts in 2023 led to better deals after weeks of pressure.
The Pennsylvania strike also ties into national talks on worker rights. With cannabis rescheduling talks in D.C., labor standards might get more attention.
Broader Lessons for Workers
Strikes like this remind us of the power in standing together. In an industry worth billions, fair pay matters. Green Thumb’s case shows how growth can leave some behind.
This Pennsylvania protest, starting on a day honoring labor, drives home the fight for dignity at work. It affects not just these workers, but sets a tone for others in cannabis and beyond.
What do you think about this strike? Should companies like Green Thumb do more for their teams? Share your views and pass this article to friends on social media.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
