Colorado JBS Meat Packing Plant Workers Go on Strike

Employees demand higher wages and safer working conditions at Greeley facility

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:06pm

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Workers at a JBS meat packing plant in Greeley, Colorado went on strike on Monday, March 16, 2026, demanding higher wages and safer working conditions. The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union Local 7, which represents 3,800 workers at the plant, accused JBS of increasing production demands, reducing hours, and failing to properly reimburse workers for protective gear.

Why it matters

The strike at the JBS plant in Greeley highlights ongoing tensions between meat processing workers and major industry players like JBS over wages, benefits, and workplace safety. As one of the largest meat producers in the world, JBS's labor practices have come under scrutiny, and this strike could put pressure on the company to make concessions to its workforce.

The details

According to the union, JBS has sped up the production line at the Greeley plant, increasing the number of animals processed per hour from 390 to 420. Workers also say the company has been charging them $1,100 or more for life-saving protective equipment. The union is seeking higher wages and better healthcare benefits to offset the rising cost of living in Colorado.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

United Food & Commercial Workers International Union Local 7

The labor union that represents 3,800 workers at the JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado.

Kim Cordova

The president of UFCW Local 7.

JBS

A Brazilian multinational corporation and the largest meat production company in the world. The Greeley plant is one of its facilities in the United States.

John Hickenlooper

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Colorado who issued a statement in support of the striking workers.

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What they’re saying

“The goal of negotiations is never to go on strike, but when the company violates workers' rights and ignores workers' concerns about safety and health, the company gives workers no choice but to stand together in solidarity and show the company that they cannot be silenced.”

— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7 (The Colorado Sun)

“JBS has been charging many workers $1,100 or more in order to offset the company's expenses for life-saving equipment needed to ensure worker safety.”

— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7 (UFCW Local 7 press release)

“The right to bargain collectively is how working people win fair deals, and that's exactly what JBS workers are doing. They are the backbone of this company and deserve to share in its success. A fair agreement is within reach. Both sides should stay at the table until the deal is done.”

— John Hickenlooper (Senator, Colorado)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the striking workers to continue their protest outside the JBS plant.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between meat processing workers and major industry players like JBS over wages, benefits, and workplace safety. As one of the largest meat producers in the world, JBS's labor practices have come under increased scrutiny, and this strike could put pressure on the company to make concessions to its workforce.