[PRESS RELEASE] – LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14, 2025 – On Jan. 8, 120 Ayr Wellness workers across three dispensaries and one delivery depot located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nev., overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract. The dispensary and delivery workers are unionized with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711.
Key features in the contract include the implementation of armed security at dispensaries, improved access to affordable health care and better scheduling opportunities.
As America’s largest cannabis union, the UFCW has spent more than a decade in this emerging industry, advocating for workers and fighting to establish critical labor protections to ensure that as the industry grows, cannabis industry jobs are safe, equitable and family sustaining.
Chase Payne, an Ayr Wellness budtender from the Las Vegas Eastern Avenue location, said the following:
“Today, we stand victorious—not because it was easy, but because we refused to give up. 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!”
Steve Shehata, an Ayr Wellness budtender from the Las Vegas Decatur Boulevard location, said the following:
“For a well-grown cannabis plant to flourish, there needs to be a well and firmly laid foundation in order for it to mature properly. That’s what I believe we’ve done by unionizing our shops in the valley.
“We’re laying the foundation for more growth and opportunity within our industry and ensuring that we have livable wages, affordable health care, and an all-around sound quality of life.
“All credit goes to our dedicated AYR workers, committee members, and UFCW representatives who stood in solidarity for this to be possible. Thank you for all your hard work and support, and let’s continue to mature this into the industry it has the potential to become.”
For more information about the UFCW’s work across the cannabis industry, visit ufcw.org/cannabis.
