Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nevada Cannabis Workers at Ayr Wellness Ratify First Union Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Last week, 120 Ayr Wellness workers across three dispensaries and one delivery depot located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract. The dispensary and delivery workers are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711.

The contract includes armed security at dispensaries, improved access to affordable health care and better scheduling opportunities.

“Today, we stand victorious—not because it was easy, but because we refused to give up,” said Chase Payne, an Ayr Wellness budtender from the Las Vegas Eastern Avenue location. “This contract represents more than just words on paper; it’s a testament to our resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to the cannabis industry. We fought for fair wages, safe conditions and respect—not just for ourselves, but for everyone who will come after us. This victory proves that when we stand together, we are unstoppable. The UFCW was there for us in a time of need and we wouldn’t be in this position without their support and guidance. But our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to show the Las Vegas area and beyond what the UFCW is all about. Because together, we are not just workers—we are union employees!”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:02

In Demand Like Never Before: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

Actors' Equity:

Swings from around the country sent in their thoughts on various aspects of the work they do. Swipe through for some thoughts from #equityteamswing! pic.twitter.com/L7M89j0SjY

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 15, 2025

AFGE:

We say this time and time again. 

Federal workers do NOT engage in political work while on government time. That is explicitly prohibited by the Hatch Act and our union adheres to that law.

Period.

— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 15, 2025

AFSCME:

In 2024, cultural workers from coast to coast organized for a voice on the job or celebrated contract wins as members of @cwuafscme. Watch this video. https://t.co/pzN9t45iYK

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 14, 2025

Alliance for Retired Americans:

If the Supreme Court overturns the ACA's preventive care mandate, it will be harder for older Americans to get critical screenings and wellness visits. #ProtectOurCare https://t.co/XLgJ8hlvm4

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 14, 2025

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Congratulations to our bus mechanic apprenticeship graduates at Local 1070-Indianapolis, IN, and IndyGo. This is the ATU’s first bus mechanic apprenticeship program under the leadership of International President John Costa. The graduates included IndyGo’s first female bus…

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 14, 2025

American Federation of Musicians:

Check out DOL's guest post on NEA's blog spotlighting the Philadelphia Theatre Company, where AFM, Equity, and IATSE members have negotiated for pay & policies to promote sustainable careers... https://t.co/UxHivGnATD

— AFM (@The_AFM) January 15, 2025

American Federation of Teachers:

A broken system hurts every patient & every family. 

In Oregon, physicians, RNs, & others are on strike to demand Providence address unsafe staffing levels in emergency rooms & unfair wages. Add your name & tell Providence to put #PatientsBeforeProfits. https://t.co/agwzDmffZl

— AFT (@AFTunion) January 14, 2025

American Postal Workers Union:

“Postal workers proved once again that, when given the proper resources, you can sort and deliver mail promptly and efficiently – just as the law requires.” Industrial Relations Director Charlie Cash calls on members to oppose any degradation of service. https://t.co/AAoKiiulvp

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 15, 2025

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

It's been 16 years since US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the icy waters of New York’s Hudson River. The "Miracle on the Hudson" would not have been a miracle without everyone doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. We are aviation’s first responders. pic.twitter.com/x3uTo3cBZJ

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 15, 2025

Boilermakers:

The winter issue of the #Boilermaker Reporter is on the way or in your mailbox now.