More Than 300 Ascend Wellness Workers Go On Strike In Barry

BARRY, Ill. — More than 300 Teamsters Local 916 members at Ascend Wellness in Barry went on strike Thursday in a labor dispute at the company’s cannabis growing operation.

The Teamsters say workers walked off the job over what the union calls unfair labor practices, including allegations that the company has refused to bargain in good faith.

Union officials say workers are seeking a first contract that addresses wage increases, health care benefits, overtime, and workplace protections.

The Barry facility is one of the larger employers in Pike County, Illinois, with workers involved in cannabis cultivation, processing, packaging, and distribution.

Earlier this month, union members at the Barry facility voted by a 92 percent margin to authorize a strike. At that time, the union said workers had been bargaining for more than a year while trying to secure their first contract.

Teamsters Local 916 says the strike is the first Teamster strike at a cannabis grow house.