Longest cannabis industry strike in the US ends after 45 days of shutdown

The 45-day strike by employees at the RISE store of Green Thumb Industries (GTI) in York, Pennsylvania, came to an end in early October. The movement, considered the longest ever recorded in the US cannabis industry, was organized by the Teamsters Local 776 union and resulted in a new collective agreement that includes wage increases, improvements in paid vacation, and new procedures for internal complaints.

According to MJ Biz Daily, workers stated that the company initially resisted negotiations but eventually gave in after weeks of shutdown and public demonstrations. RISE, one of the country's most well-known dispensary chains, is owned by GTI, which operates in 15 US states.

New strike in Ohio still ongoing

While the impasse in York was resolved, another strike, now at the Vext Science (formerly Strawberry Fields) facility in Columbus, Ohio, has been ongoing since September 28. Workers claim inconsistent wages, unjustified dismissals, and favoritism by management. The movement is also supported by the Teamsters union, which has been expanding its presence in the cannabis sector in the US.

Read Also - Cannabis industry strikes in the US break duration record

If the shutdown in Ohio lasts longer than the one in York, it could become the new longest strike in the history of the American cannabis industry.

Industry Impact

The legal cannabis industry in the US generates about $32 billion annually and still faces challenges related to labor structure and tight profit margins. Analysts believe that the increase in strikes reflects the professionalization and the pursuit of better working conditions in a market that, despite expanding, is still consolidating amid regulatory and economic tensions.

With information from MJ Biz Daily.