Five employees at the Ann Arbor Exclusive Brands dispensary went on strike to protest the company’s attempt to block a union election. They are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876. Their protest comes after one of their coworkers—known to support unionization efforts—was fired, and the company allegedly attempted to block a union election.
Emily Hull is a striker, but she also works as a budtender. She said: “This profession is about caring and healing for others and supporting each other.” The company’s employees are actively being treated in the exact opposite way.
The strike gained momentum. UFCW Members and Community Allies joined the picket, bringing up the number to almost 20 people. Despite the tension, interactions with police have remained peaceful—though officers were called in a few times to mediate.
Why this Matters Nationally
This year, union drives have been slowed down due to financial pressures on the cannabis industry. These include contractions in production and margins that are tightening. Labor experts believe Michigan could buck this trend. As the market matures and faces consolidation, workers face dwindling protections—and many are seeking the stability of a union contract.
UFCW currently represents more than 300 dispensaries in the U.S. and 36 cannabis growers. The Ann Arbor strike may be a sign of renewed activism by the labor movement.
Wider Impact and Risques
If successful, the strike could pave the way for stronger labor rights across the cannabis sector—improving wages, safety protocols, and job security in a notoriously fickle industry. However, unionization also raises industry questions: Will higher labor costs force price increases—or push more businesses underground? This will accelerate consolidation and favor large chains rather than small operators.
Engagement Prompt:
Should workers’ rights in an industry built on care and community be equally valued? Would it be better for cannabis workers to unionize in order to receive better treatment or would that make legal cannabis more affordable or less accessible? What do you think? Let me know below!