Cannabis Teamsters at Cresco Labs Go on Strike

Workers Demand Fair Wages, Stable Hours, and Respect

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Teamsters at the Sunnyside dispensary in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania voted unanimously to authorize a strike after the company failed to present a contract that fairly compensates its workers. Sunnyside is a subsidiary of Cresco Labs, a publicly traded multi-state operator in the cannabis industry.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the growing strength of Teamsters in the cannabis industry and comes after another work stoppage in November, when Pennsylvania Teamsters won the longest-running successful cannabis strike in U.S. history. The Teamsters are fighting to set the standard for quality work in the cannabis industry by securing livable wages and promoting long-term careers.

The details

The Teamsters at Sunnyside are fighting for fair wages and improved hours of work. They are looking to secure a contract that creates economic stability in their future and promotes a middle-class lifestyle, which they believe is essential for cannabis workers.

  • On February 26, 2026, Teamsters at the Sunnyside dispensary voted unanimously to authorize a strike.

The players

Teamsters Local 429

A labor union that represents workers across several industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Cresco Labs

A publicly traded multi-state operator in the cannabis industry and the parent company of the Sunnyside dispensary.

Bill Shappell

The President of Teamsters Local 429.

Jesse Case

The Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division.

Cobi Motley

A Wellness Advisor at Sunnyside and a member of Teamsters Local 429.

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What they’re saying

“Our members are united and ready to do whatever it takes to secure a strong contract.”

— Bill Shappell, President of Teamsters Local 429 (PRNewswire)

“The Teamsters are building pathways for cannabis workers to support their families and enjoy a middle-class lifestyle.”

— Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division (PRNewswire)

“We're looking to set the standard of quality for work in the cannabis industry by securing livable wages and promoting long term careers.”

— Cobi Motley, Wellness Advisor at Sunnyside and member of Local 429 (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the strike to proceed.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the growing power of labor unions in the cannabis industry, as workers demand fair wages, stable hours, and respect. The Teamsters are fighting to set the standard for quality work in the cannabis industry, which could have significant implications for the future of the industry and its workforce.