Settlement Deal Reached in Michigan Marijuana Dispensary Tip Dispute
A settlement deal was approved by a judge in Three Rivers, Michigan, to address a dispute at a marijuana dispensary chain. Employees at Timber Cannabis alleged that management was withholding tips left by satisfied customers. The company agreed to pay $205,000 to resolve the lawsuit without admitting any wrongdoing. The judge deemed the terms of the agreement to be fair and appropriate.
The lawsuit was brought by Chad Underwood, a budtender at Timber Cannabis, who claimed that he used to receive up to $150 in tips per shift before the management started collecting the money left in a tip jar. Timber Cannabis, in its response to the lawsuit, denied any violation of federal wage laws. Attorney Angeli Murthy, representing over 60 employees, stated that they will be eligible for the settlement.
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana use for individuals aged 21 and older in 2018. The settlement reached in the lawsuit against Timber Cannabis aims to address the issue of tip withholding and provide compensation to affected employees. The resolution of this dispute highlights the importance of fair treatment and compensation practices in the cannabis industry.