Employees at Rise Dispensary in York County are on strike, saying they are advocating for better wages. Sept. 12 marks 12 days of the strike.The Teamsters Union representing the employees stated that the current salary range for employees is between $16 and $17.65 per hour. For 14 months, they have negotiated with Green Thumb Inc., the parent company of Rise, for wages similar to those offered at other dispensaries in different states, like Illinois. “What they gave them out there was $18 for existing employees, 3% — 3% — and that’s at the end of the day. That’s what we were looking for,” said Mark Cicak from Teamsters Local 776. Rise Dispensary has stated that they have worked in good faith with union representatives and respect the employees’ right to strike. A spokesperson from Rise gave News 8 this statement in response to the strike:”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.”The union has said employees will continue to stay on the picket line. “We’re going to stay out here until the company comes back to the table and negotiates in good faith. And, we are in the process of trying to schedule with the company, but until we have something that the membership votes on and approves, we would be out here,” Cicak said.
Employees at Rise Dispensary in York County are on strike, saying they are advocating for better wages. Sept. 12 marks 12 days of the strike.
The Teamsters Union representing the employees stated that the current salary range for employees is between $16 and $17.65 per hour. For 14 months, they have negotiated with Green Thumb Inc., the parent company of Rise, for wages similar to those offered at other dispensaries in different states, like Illinois.
“What they gave them out there was $18 for existing employees, 3% — 3% — and that’s at the end of the day. That’s what we were looking for,” said Mark Cicak from Teamsters Local 776.
Rise Dispensary has stated that they have worked in good faith with union representatives and respect the employees’ right to strike. A spokesperson from Rise gave News 8 this statement in response to the strike:
“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.”
The union has said employees will continue to stay on the picket line.
“We’re going to stay out here until the company comes back to the table and negotiates in good faith. And, we are in the process of trying to schedule with the company, but until we have something that the membership votes on and approves, we would be out here,” Cicak said.
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