TEAMSTERS SECURE ANOTHER WIN AT ASCEND CANNABIS IN ILLINOIS
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BARRY, Ill., Aug. 29, 2025 ~ Barry, Ill. - In a historic move, workers at Ascend Cannabis have voted to join the Teamsters union, adding 282 employees to the growing number of unionized cannabis workers across the country. The new members include cultivation, extraction, facilities, inventory, packaging, post-harvest, and quality assurance employees.

This victory marks the third group of Ascend employees to gain Teamsters representation. Local 916 had previously organized drivers and manufacturing workers at the company who are now in the process of bargaining their first contract.

According to JP Fyans, President of Local 916, this win is a testament to the power of workers standing together. "Our members at Ascend have already shown what's possible with a union on their side," he said. "Now, even more workers will have a seat at the table and Teamsters Local 916 will stand firmly behind them every step of the way until they win the strong contract they deserve."

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The workers at Ascend join a growing trend of cannabis workers nationwide who are choosing to unite under the Teamsters banner in order to raise standards in this emerging industry.

Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, believes that more and more cannabis workers are realizing that the Teamsters are their best option for securing strong contracts and having a real voice in their workplace. "We're ready to keep this momentum going and won't stop until every cannabis worker who wants a union has one," he stated.

Cory Hill, a cultivation worker at Ascend expressed his pride in achieving this milestone with his fellow coworkers. "As agricultural workers, we knew this would be an uphill battle," he said. "But we stood together and found our way. Now our hard work will be recognized and our voices will not only be heard but listened to."

Teamsters Local 916 represents over 4,000 workers throughout Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale and East St. Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit their website at teamsters916.org.

Media Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015

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