ASCEND WELLNESS STRIKE ENTERS SECOND MONTH AS CONTRACT DISPUTE CONTINUES

BARRY, Ill. — The labor dispute at Ascend Wellness in Barry remains unresolved, with more than 300 Teamsters Local 916 members continuing their unfair labor practice strike that began June 25.

Workers are seeking their first union contract and say negotiations have stalled over wages, health insurance costs, overtime, and what they describe as the company's failure to bargain in good faith. Union officials also allege retaliation against workers involved in organizing efforts.

The strike affects employees who cultivate, process, package and distribute cannabis products at the Barry facility, one of Illinois' largest cannabis cultivation centers.

Teamsters officials say many entry-level employees earn about $17 to $18 per hour while some families pay more than $1,000 per month for health insurance coverage.

Ascend Wellness has previously said it presented what it considers its last, best and final contract offer and has continued operating the facility during the strike with replacement workers. Union leaders have said they remain willing to return to the bargaining table if the company presents what they consider a fair agreement.

As of this report, no new contract agreement has been announced, and the strike remains ongoing.