JBS Packer Workers Strike at Colorado Plant

Meatpacking workers walk out, putting a dent in beef production during high demand and prices.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:50am

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Plant workers at a JBS packing facility in Greeley, Colorado, walked out on Monday, March 16, in a strike authorized by the meatpacker's union, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7. The strike, which follows nearly eight months of labor negotiations, is claimed to be the first by meatpacking workers in 40 years and is impacting 5-6% of U.S. beef processing capacity.

Why it matters

The strike highlights ongoing tensions between meatpacking companies and their workers over labor practices, wages, and worker safety, especially during a time of high beef demand and prices. It also showcases the power of worker organizing and the willingness of meatpacking employees to take collective action.

The details

The strike involves roughly 3,800 workers at the Swift Beef Co. facility, a JBS-owned plant. The union is claiming JBS offered less than a 2% yearly wage increase, which is below the rate of inflation in Colorado. The union also alleges unfair labor practices and that JBS charged workers over $1,100 for required personal protective equipment. JBS says it has complied with labor laws and that its offer is consistent with a national agreement reached in 2025, but the union argues it does not account for Colorado's higher cost of living.

  • The strike began on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The strike authorization vote by the union was taken nearly a month ago.

The players

JBS

A major meatpacking company that owns the Swift Beef Co. facility in Greeley, Colorado where the strike is taking place.

UFCW Local 7

The union representing the meatpacking workers at the JBS facility in Greeley, Colorado.

Kim Cordova

The president of UFCW Local 7.

Nikki Richardson

A representative for JBS.

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What they’re saying

“This is an historic moment in time to see workers come out like this. It's a real showing of worker power.”

— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7

“Our team members want stability, they want to support their families, and they deserved the opportunity to vote on the company's historic offer – an opportunity the union leadership has denied them.”

— Nikki Richardson, JBS Representative

“JBS is trying to force us to take the national agreement. But the health care costs increased 22 cents an hour (so) those folks got an 8-cent increase. That's not gonna work for us.”

— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7

What’s next

The strike is expected to continue for two weeks or until JBS offers better terms to the workers.

The takeaway

This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between meatpacking companies and their workers over labor practices, wages, and worker safety, especially during times of high demand and prices. It showcases the power of worker organizing and the willingness of meatpacking employees to take collective action to fight for better working conditions.