Workers Blaze Trail for Industry-Leading Standards in the State

(ABERDEEN, Md.) – Budtenders and shift leaders at Ascend in Aberdeen, Md., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, making them the first cannabis workers in the state to be covered by a Teamsters contract.

“These workers stuck together and were fearless in advocating for themselves during this process,” said Sean Cedenio, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 570. “Their dedication is inspiring, and what we’ve accomplished here can serve as a model for other dispensaries throughout the state.”

Teamsters already have a strong track record of securing strong contracts for Ascend workers in Illinois and Michigan. The new collective bargaining agreement guarantees the workers increases in wages, job security, paid time off, and safety improvements.

“More and more cannabis workers are rapidly realizing that a Teamsters contract brings the stability they deserve in an ever-changing industry,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “The Teamsters are rapidly becoming synonymous with long-term, stable careers in cannabis.”

“Workers everywhere deserve quality wages and working conditions,” said Ryan Bennett, a Dispensary Associate Lead and Local 570 member. “As the cannabis industry rapidly grows, so should the prosperity of the workers who make it successful. The Teamsters have a strong track record of giving workers of all stripes and industries a voice on the job, and this contract is proof of that.”

Teamsters Local 570 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Baltimore and the surrounding communities. For more information, go to https://www.team570.org/.

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