- 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
JBS Colorado Beef Plant Workers Launch Largest Meat Strike in Decades
3,800 unionized employees demand higher wages, better benefits amid high beef prices
Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:19pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Around 3,800 unionized workers at a JBS beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado went on strike on Monday, calling for higher wages, improved healthcare coverage, and better protective gear. The walkout is being reported as the largest meat industry strike in decades.
Why it matters
The strike at the JBS plant, one of the largest beef processing facilities in the U.S., has the potential to disrupt beef supplies and drive up consumer prices at a time when inflation is already straining household budgets. The outcome of the labor dispute could set the tone for future contract negotiations in the meatpacking industry.
The details
The workers, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), are seeking significant pay increases to keep up with rising costs of living, as well as expanded healthcare benefits and more affordable protective equipment like gloves and masks. JBS, one of the world's largest meat producers, has so far not reached an agreement with the union to end the work stoppage.
- The strike began on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The players
JBS USA
A subsidiary of the Brazilian meat processing company JBS S.A., operating one of the largest beef processing plants in Greeley, Colorado.
United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW)
The labor union representing the 3,800 workers who went on strike at the JBS plant in Greeley.
What they’re saying
“We've been working on the frontlines throughout the pandemic, and it's time for JBS to step up and give us the wages and benefits we deserve.”
— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7
The takeaway
The strike at the JBS plant in Greeley highlights the growing tensions between meatpacking workers and their employers over wages and working conditions, especially as the industry has seen record profits during the pandemic. The outcome of this labor dispute could set an important precedent for future contract negotiations in the sector.
