Strike Begins at Major Colorado Meatpacker

Workers at JBS beef plant in Greeley walk off the job over wages and safety concerns

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:29pm

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Thousands of unionized workers at the JBS beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado have gone on strike, the first such labor stoppage at a major American meatpacking facility in 40 years. The workers are protesting what they say are inadequate wage increases and safety equipment, as the industry faces record-high beef prices and tight cattle supplies.

Why it matters

The strike at the JBS plant, which produces a significant portion of the country's beef, could further disrupt the U.S. meat supply and drive up consumer prices for beef products. It also highlights the growing tensions between meatpacking companies and their workers over wages and working conditions in an industry that has faced criticism for its treatment of employees.

The details

The United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents nearly 4,000 employees at the JBS plant, said this is the first time in 40 years that American meatpacking workers have gone on strike. The union claims JBS has not offered adequate wage increases to keep up with inflation, and has also provided inadequate safety equipment to workers. JBS, the world's largest meat company, has stated that it has made a fair offer to workers.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 18, 2026.

The players

JBS

The world's largest meat company, which operates the beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado where the strike is taking place.

United Food and Commercial Workers union

The union that represents nearly 4,000 employees at the JBS plant in Greeley and has called the strike over wage and safety concerns.

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What’s next

Industry analysts say the strike could quickly impact beef production and supplies, putting pressure on JBS to resolve the labor dispute. The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow workers to continue the strike or order them back to work.

The takeaway

This strike at a major meatpacking plant highlights the ongoing tensions between workers and companies in the U.S. beef industry, which is grappling with record-high prices and tight supplies. The outcome of this labor dispute could set the tone for future negotiations between unions and meatpackers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.