Workers at Dispensary 33 in Chicago have successfully ratified their first five-year contract with Teamsters Local 777, following five months of negotiations. This unanimous agreement, reached on March 16, 2026, brings significant improvements to wages, health care benefits, and job protections for cannabis employees.
According to Jim Glimco, President of Teamsters Local 777, the new contract acknowledges the essential roles these workers play in the business’s success. “This contract recognizes the vital roles these workers play in the success of this business, and it ensures they are treated with the respect they deserve,” he stated. The contract aims to foster greater stability at Dispensary 33, enhancing the overall work environment for its staff.
The unionization effort at Dispensary 33 gained momentum less than a year ago when budtenders voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 777. Over the past four years, the union has secured collective bargaining agreements for hundreds of workers across the Illinois cannabis sector. This latest contract signifies a broader trend of cannabis workers organizing for better pay and working conditions.
Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, highlighted the significance of this agreement. “Cannabis workers across the country are organizing to win better wages, stronger benefits, and real career opportunities,” he remarked. “Our members at Dispensary 33 are proving what’s possible when workers stand together and demand a fair contract. Agreements like this help turn cannabis jobs into stable careers.”
Among the participants in the negotiations was Lyzette Soto, an award-winning budtender and member of Local 777. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “This was honestly one of the hardest and most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever gone through. We are passionate and proud of the community we’ve created to guarantee better conditions in our workplace!”
Established in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 represents a diverse group of workers in various industries throughout the Chicago area. The successful outcome of the contract at Dispensary 33 marks a significant achievement for both the employees and the union, showcasing the power of collective bargaining in the evolving cannabis industry.
For more information about Teamsters Local 777, visit their official website at teamsters777.org.
