JBS Workers End 3-Week Strike in Colorado

Beef plant employees agree to return to work after reaching new contract agreement.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:28am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of neatly packaged raw beef cuts arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the corporate strategy and market forces behind the meat processing industry.The resolution of the labor dispute at the JBS beef plant in Greeley, Colorado represents a compromise between workers' needs and the company's operational requirements.Greeley Today

After a three-week strike, around 3,800 workers at the JBS beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado have agreed to end their labor action and return to work on Tuesday. The workers, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, reached a new contract agreement with the company following negotiations.

Why it matters

The JBS plant in Greeley is one of the largest beef processing facilities in the United States, so the strike had significant impacts on the local and national meat supply chain. The resolution of the labor dispute avoids further disruptions and allows the plant to resume full operations.

The details

The strike began in late March after the union and JBS failed to reach an agreement on wages, benefits, and working conditions. Key issues included pay increases, healthcare costs, and safety protocols in the plant. After three weeks of negotiations, the two sides reached a new multi-year contract that addressed the workers' main concerns.

  • The strike began in late March 2026.
  • Workers agreed to return to the plant on Tuesday, April 5, 2026.

The players

JBS

One of the largest beef processing companies in the United States, operating a major plant in Greeley, Colorado.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union

The labor union representing the workers at the JBS plant in Greeley.

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What they’re saying

“This new contract is a victory for our members and will help ensure good, safe jobs in our community.”

— Kim Cordova, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7

“We're pleased to have reached an agreement that works for our employees and allows us to continue serving our customers.”

— Andre Nogueira, CEO, JBS USA

What’s next

The new contract agreement will be in effect for the next three years, providing stability for the JBS plant and its workers in Greeley.

The takeaway

The resolution of the JBS strike in Greeley demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining and compromise in addressing labor disputes, allowing both workers and the company to find a mutually beneficial solution.