Higher wages sought by striking York area medical marijuana dispensary workers

Staff members of the Rise medical marijuana dispensary on White Street in West Manchester Township went on strike Labor Day, Sept. 1, seeking a contract that includes salary increases and other improved benefits.

The staffers, members of Teamsters Local 776, organized in July 2024 and have been negotiating a contract with the company, said Mark Cicak, recording secretary and business agent for the local.

Cicak said members recently unanimously rejected the company’s last, best and final offer and authorized a strike.

He said the company’s final offer was 3% salary hikes across the board, which equates to 53 cents at the top end of the wage scale and 48 cents at the bottom. He said the pay range at the dispensary is $16 per hour for new hires and $17.65 for employees with five years of service.

Cicak said all eight non-management employees are participating in the strike.
“We will be out here during operational hours of this building until either the company comes back or makes us a different offer,” Cicak said, adding the union contends the company has not bargained in good faith.

Green Thumb Industries, owner of Rise dispensaries, provided the following statement:

“In July 2024, some team members at RISE Dispensary in York, Pennsylvania voted to unionize with the Teamsters. Over the last 14 months, Green Thumb has worked in good faith with union representatives toward a mutually beneficial agreement. The company’s last, best, and final offer included meaningful wage increases and comprehensive benefits. Green Thumb conducted a market analysis to ensure the offer is fair and competitive based on job responsibilities and market conditions within Pennsylvania’s cannabis retail industry.”

“On September 1, 2025, some union team members chose to strike to express disagreement with the proposal. Green Thumb respects team members’ rights to engage in protected activity, including the right to strike. We hope the union will realize the value this contract provides and support team members in moving forward together.

“RISE York will remain open so patients can continue to access the products they rely on for their well-being.”