Why it matters: With Burger King franchises closing 26 locations in the Detroit metro area, primarily resulting in more than 400 people being laid off, prominent cannabis brand STIIIZY announced that it had offered to hire the displaced workers at its production facility in Orion Township.
What they are saying: STIIIZY’s Managing Partner Ryan Jundt said that the company aims to fill over 200 positions near immediately, with the remaining 200-plus former Burger King workers potentially hired over the next three to four months. The positions being offered would involve work that is similar to fast food, with employees filling vape cartridges and rolling blunts and joints.
The big picture: While Burger King franchise EYM King of Michigan blamed “unforeseen business circumstances” and failure to reach an agreement with Burger King Corp. for the closures, in a lawsuit filed against Eduardo E. Diaz, EYM King of Michigan, LLC and EYM King, L.P., the corporation cited “breaches of written agreement”.
What to watch: Despite the cannabis company’s offer being a step up from the average non-managerial positions at Burger King, the rate offered might still not be enough for workers to make a living on. It will be interesting to see if there is enough interest from the displaced workers in the current job market.
My take: STIIIZY’s response is a promising sign of how companies are prioritizing taking care of their community even as they grow. It’s great to see companies reaching out to help find work for those most affected by the pandemic and other economic factors.
