Organizing wins in the cannabis industry changing workers lives

President of Teamsters Local 777, James Glimco, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organizing and contract wins they’ve had in the cannabis industry. Glimco also talked about the issues with organizing a newer industry and briefly discussed the history of organizing in his family dating back to his grandfather's time as a newspaper boy in Chicago.

Local 777, located in the Chicagoland area, has about 3,500 members made up of factory workers, school bus drivers and now cannabis workers. Recently Local 777 added new members after winning contracts with five different Verilife dispensaries in the Chicago area. Multiple locations bring with it different mindsets regarding what should be allowed for workers. Local 777 was able to add in the ability for workers to accept tips for exceptional service, which was previously not allowed. 

The goal of organizing the cannabis industry is to push for improvements to ensure those jobs are good-paying, union jobs. Glimco outlined the strikes and fights that took place during organizing efforts. He also shared information about the labor grievances filed with the National Labor Relation Board during the process. While the negotiations are always a battle, at the end of the day it’s about getting the best deal for workers.

Glimco remembered his grandfather’s time as a union organizer during the Great Depression. He started as a newspaper boy selling papers by the Bismarck Hotel in downtown Chicago before the Wagner Act was passed in 1945. Later, he would earn his first organizing win at a poultry factory in Chicago. Most notably, Glimco’s grandfather was responsible for organizing nearly 10,000 Chicago area cab drivers into the Teamsters Union.

To hear more from Glimco, please listen to the show above.