3,800 Workers Strike at Major U.S. Meatpacking Plant

Employees demand higher wages and better healthcare benefits from JBS USA

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:48pm

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About 3,800 workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, owned by JBS USA, went on strike on Monday. Union officials said this is the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse in four decades. The workers are demanding higher wages, better healthcare benefits, and an end to the company's practice of charging them over $1,100 for personal protective equipment.

Why it matters

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between meatpacking companies and their workers, who often perform dangerous jobs for relatively low pay. The strike could disrupt beef supply and lead to higher prices for consumers at a time when beef prices are already at record highs due to factors like drought and trade policies.

The details

The strike follows accusations from union officials that JBS USA retaliated against workers and committed other unfair labor practices during contract negotiations. Union steward Leticia Avalos said the company doesn't value its workers, who help generate the company's profits. The union said workers perform some of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in the country and deserve wage increases to keep up with inflation, as well as better healthcare benefits.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The previous contract expired on Sunday night, March 15, 2026.

The players

Swift Beef Co.

A major meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado, owned by JBS USA.

JBS USA

The parent company that owns the Swift Beef Co. plant where the strike is taking place.

Leticia Avalos

A 34-year-old union steward and Greeley native who has worked at the plant since 2020.

United Food and Commercial Union Local 7

The union representing the workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant.

Kim Cordova

The president of the United Food and Commercial Union Local 7.

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What they’re saying

“They don't really value their workers and we're the ones that help them get all their profit.”

— Leticia Avalos, Union Steward

“Despite our continued efforts to reach a fair and responsible agreement, Local 7 chose to end negotiations and cancel the contract we had in place.”

— Nikki Richardson, Spokesperson, JBS USA

“They deserve wage increases that keep pace with inflation, ensure they receive healthcare commensurate with the toll this work takes on their bodies, and that allow them to live with dignity and respect.”

— Kim Cordova, President, United Food and Commercial Union Local 7

What’s next

The strike is expected to continue through the evening, with union officials saying workers will remain on the picket line all day.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing struggles of meatpacking workers, who often face difficult and dangerous working conditions for relatively low pay. The outcome of these negotiations could set an important precedent for labor relations in the industry.