Chicago-area dispensary workers go on strike ahead of 4/20

CHICAGO - Teamsters at three marijuana shops in suburban Chicago have walked off the job on the eve of 4/20 — an informal holiday for cannabis consumers.

Workers at three "Rise Dispensary" locations, two in Joliet and one in Niles, voted to unionize last year and have been negotiating their first contract.

A Local 777 union spokesman says Wednesday’s strike is to protest unfair labor practices. The union claims management told workers to remove Teamsters buttons during bargaining.

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The dispensary's parent company, Green Thumb Industries, issued a statement reading in part:

"Green Thumb respects the rights of our employees, including the fundamental right to organize and take protected, concerted activity during negotiations. We made a fair offer to the union and will continue to work toward labor peace."

Workers are also demanding better wages and retirement security.