Union rallies at Near West Side dispensary where workers claim they were fired for organizing efforts

Richard Perez, left, and Jim Doane, right, stand outside of Zen Leaf Dispensary on Wednesday at 1301 S. Western Ave. The two men said they were recently fired from the dispensary over their union organizing efforts. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

A rally was held Wednesday outside a Near West Side cannabis dispensary by union leaders and elected officials a week after two employees claimed they were fired for their organizing efforts.

“This is an industry that promised great jobs and career opportunities when pushing to legalize marijuana and they aren’t living up to that promise,” said Jim Doane, one of the recently fired employees. “We are making what Wendy’s entry-level employees are making and we are just advocating for better money, better scheduling and better ways to be promoted.”