- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Union Workers at Greeley JBS Meatpacking Plant Vote to Authorize Strike
The union representing 3,800 workers has been negotiating a new contract for over 8 months amid complaints of unsafe and illegal labor practices.
Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:15pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The union representing about 3,800 workers at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after months of failed contract negotiations. The union has filed multiple unfair labor practice charges against JBS, accusing the company of bad-faith bargaining and threatening retaliation against workers who choose to strike.
Why it matters
This potential strike at the Greeley JBS plant, one of the largest meatpacking facilities in the country, could significantly disrupt the nation's meat supply if it goes forward. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between unions and major meatpacking companies over worker safety, wages, and labor practices in an industry that has faced longstanding criticism.
The details
In the daylong vote, 99% of union workers voted to authorize the strike, though the union has not yet decided on the timing. The union, UFCW Local 7, has accused JBS of threatening to withhold a proposed bonus and pension payment from workers if they choose to strike. Workers have raised concerns for years about unsafe and illegal labor practices at the Greeley plant, including increased production line speeds and reduced worker hours.
- The union has been negotiating a new contract for over 8 months.
- The strike authorization vote took place on Monday, February 5, 2026.
The players
UFCW Local 7
The labor union that represents about 3,800 workers at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado.
Kim Cordova
The president of UFCW Local 7.
Leticia Avalos
A worker at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley.
JBS
The multinational meatpacking company that operates the Greeley, Colorado plant.
What they’re saying
“This strike authorization is the direct result of JBS's unlawful and bad-faith conduct. Over the court of bargaining for a new contract, the union has filed multiple Unfair Labor Practice Charges against JBS.”
— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7 (9news.com)
“We have been bargaining for eight months and JBS has prevented us from reaching a contract as a result of their Unfair Labor Practices. They continue to increase chain speeds and create dangerous working conditions all while reducing hours for workers.”
— Leticia Avalos, JBS Worker (9news.com)
What’s next
The union has not yet decided on the timing for the potential strike, but the judge will need to rule on the unfair labor practice charges filed against JBS before the strike can move forward.
The takeaway
This dispute at the Greeley JBS plant highlights the ongoing tensions between unions and major meatpacking companies over worker safety, wages, and labor practices in an industry that has faced longstanding criticism. The potential strike could significantly disrupt the nation's meat supply if it goes forward.
