Survey Finds Americans Support Workers' Rights Over Beef Production

Majority favor meatpacking workers' right to strike for better pay and conditions over continuing operations.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:00am

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A new survey by Morning Consult and the Physicians Committee found that 71% of Americans believe meatpacking workers should have the right to strike over pay and working conditions, rather than being required to stay on the job to continue beef production. The survey also found that younger Americans favor transitioning some slaughterhouses to produce plant-based protein instead.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight growing public support for workers' rights and concerns over the safety and ethics of traditional meat production. As major meat companies like JBS face financial losses in their beef operations, transitioning some facilities to plant-based protein could benefit both workers and consumers.

The details

The survey found that 61% of Americans believe migrant meatpacking workers who are striking should not face legal consequences like immigration enforcement. It also noted that 36% support and 38% oppose converting some slaughterhouses to produce plant-based or cell-cultivated meat, with stronger support among younger generations.

  • The survey was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Morning Consult

A market research company that conducted the survey.

Physicians Committee

A nonprofit health advocacy organization with 17,000 physician members nationwide that co-sponsored the survey.

JBS

One of the world's largest meatpacking companies, which recently reported significant financial losses in its beef business.

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What they’re saying

“Meatpacking is a dangerous occupation, and the results of this survey show that Americans feel compassion for employees who are striking to obtain safer working conditions.”

— Xavier Toledo, Registered Dietitian, Physicians Committee

What’s next

The survey results could influence ongoing debates over workers' rights, immigration enforcement, and the future of meat production in the United States.

The takeaway

This survey highlights growing public support for meatpacking workers' rights and openness to transitioning some facilities to plant-based protein production, which could benefit both workers and consumers in the long run.