In the heart of Pennsylvania’s booming medical cannabis scene, 21 dedicated workers at a Sunnyside store walked off the job Thursday, igniting a fresh labor battle. This strike at the Wyomissing location, run by Chicago-based Cresco Labs, stems from stalled talks over pay and schedules. As the industry rakes in billions, these employees demand their fair share, raising questions about worker rights in a fast-growing field.
The action kicked off at 8:30 a.m. on February 26, 2026, when Teamsters Local 429 members hit the picket line outside the Sunnyside Dispensary in Wyomissing, a town in Berks County. These unionized staff, who handle everything from customer service to inventory, say they feel burnt out from long hours and low pay. The dispensary, a key player in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana market, stayed closed as protesters chanted for better conditions.
The workers voted unanimously to authorize the strike after management refused to budge on key contract issues. Bill Shappell, president of Teamsters Local 429, called the move a united front to push for a strong deal. He noted that these employees keep the store running smoothly but deserve wages that match the industry’s profits.
This walkout marks the second major labor dispute at Pennsylvania cannabis retailers in recent months. It highlights tensions as the state’s medical program serves over 439,000 patients and has generated nearly $9 billion in sales since launching in 2018.
Workers Push for Fair Pay and Stable Schedules
At the core of the strike are demands for higher wages and more predictable work hours. Employees report dealing with erratic shifts that make it hard to plan life outside the job. One wellness advisor, Cobi Motley, shared that the team wants contracts that build long-term careers, not just short-term gigs.
The union points out that Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis sales rose 4 percent in 2025, reaching new highs. Yet, workers say their pay hasn’t kept pace, leaving many struggling despite the sector’s growth.
- Higher starting wages to cover living costs in the area.
- Consistent scheduling to avoid burnout and family disruptions.
- Better overall treatment, including respect for their role in patient care.
Jesse Case, director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, stressed that cannabis jobs should offer middle-class stability like other industries. He added that the union aims to set a high bar for worker standards across the board.
These requests come as Cresco Labs, a major multi-state operator, reports strong financials. The company operates dozens of dispensaries nationwide, but details on this specific location’s performance remain under wraps.
Lessons from Last Fall’s Record Labor Action
This strike echoes a dramatic event last fall at another Pennsylvania dispensary. In November 2025, workers at Green Thumb Industries’ Rise store in York went on a 45-day strike, the longest successful one in U.S. cannabis history. That group, also backed by Teamsters, won their first contract with improved pay and benefits after holding firm.
The York action involved similar issues: unfair scheduling and inadequate compensation. It ended with a ratified deal that set a precedent for union wins in the sector. Now, Sunnyside staff hope to follow suit and pressure Cresco Labs into talks.
To compare the two strikes:
| Aspect | York Rise Strike (2025) | Wyomissing Sunnyside Strike (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (so far) | 45 days | Ongoing since Feb. 26 |
| Operator | Green Thumb Industries | Cresco Labs |
| Location | York, PA | Wyomissing, PA |
| Key Wins/Demands | First contract, better pay | Fair wages, stable hours |
| Union Outcome | Successful ratification | Aiming for strong agreement |
That York victory showed cannabis workers can force change, boosting morale across the state. Experts say such actions are vital as the industry expands, ensuring employees share in the economic gains.
Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program has created thousands of jobs, with projections for even more if recreational use legalizes soon. A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found over half of voters support full legalization, which could add $420 million in annual tax revenue and 33,000 new positions.
Union Momentum Builds in the Cannabis World
Labor organizing in cannabis is picking up steam nationwide. The Teamsters’ Cannabis Workers Rising campaign has drawn thousands of workers since its start, from growers to retailers. In 2025 alone, several sites in states like New Jersey and Michigan saw successful union votes.
This trend reflects broader shifts as the U.S. cannabis market heads toward $55 billion by 2030, growing at 3.36 percent yearly. Workers argue that with such profits, companies like Cresco Labs can afford to invest in their staff. Yet, challenges remain, including resistance from some operators and varying state laws.
In Pennsylvania, the medical market’s steady rise fuels these efforts. Sales hit record levels last year, but union leaders warn that without fair deals, turnover will hurt service quality for patients. Motley emphasized that stable jobs mean better care for those relying on medical marijuana.
Cresco Labs has not issued a public statement on the strike as of Friday. Union reps remain optimistic, urging the company to return to the bargaining table soon. The ongoing protest draws attention to how labor disputes could shape the industry’s future path.
As Pennsylvania’s cannabis sector thrives, these workers stand firm, fighting not just for themselves but for standards that could transform jobs across the green economy. Their resolve brings hope that fair negotiations will prevail, securing brighter futures amid the plants and profits.
