Meet the Teamsters unionizing the cannabis industry

Mar 15, 2023 · 1h 6m 10s
Meet the Teamsters unionizing the cannabis industry
Description

As more states and districts around the country push for legalization, the cannabis industry has exploded in recent years, https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2022/03/24/us-cannabis-sales-could-top-72-billion-by-2030-says-top-researcher/?sh=222ac13f148c that the industry could generate over $70 billion in sales...

show more
As more states and districts around the country push for legalization, the cannabis industry has exploded in recent years, with researchers estimating that the industry could generate over $70 billion in sales by 2030. While investors and business owners have dollar signs in their eyes, though, it is the everyday employees, from growers and packers to bud tenders, who are making the industry run. But the vast vast majority of those workers are not reaping the benefits of these booming profits; in fact, many cannabis workers around the country report insufficient pay, overwork and burnout, disrespect and mistreatment from management, all while having to navigate changing customer needs, state and federal regulations, and top-down decisions from executives and company founders that are handed down with little to no input from the actual workers who know the industry best. That is why we are seeing a simultaneous explosion of organizing efforts by cannabis workers themselves.

TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with a panel of workers and organizers from the state of Illinois who have been fighting to unionize with the Teamsters and improve the cannabis industry for themselves, their coworkers, and their customers. Panelists include: Ami Schneider, a worker at Enlightened Dispensary in Schaumburg, Illinois, and a member of Teamsters Local 777; Ryan “Fro” Frohlich, a worker at Zen Leaf in Chicago, Illinois, and a member of Teamsters Local 777; Chris Smith, organizer and business agent for Teamsters Local 777; Jim Glimco, president and principal officer for Teamsters Local 777.

Post-Production: Cameron Granadino

Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer:

Donate: https://therealnews.com/donate-pod

Sign up for our newsletter: https://therealnews.com/newsletter-pod

Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnews

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnews
show less
Information
Author The Real News Network
Organization The Real News Network
Website -
Tags

Looks like you don't have any active episode

Browse Spreaker Catalogue to discover great new content

Current

Podcast Cover

Looks like you don't have any episodes in your queue

Browse Spreaker Catalogue to discover great new content

Next Up

Episode Cover Episode Cover

It's so quiet here...

Time to discover new episodes!

Discover
Your Library
Search