Workers Halt Strike at Major US Meatpacking Plant, Resume Negotiations

Union and JBS USA agree to return to the bargaining table after three-week walkout at Greeley, Colorado facility.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:11am

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Workers at one of the nation's largest meatpacking plants, the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, have agreed to return to work and halt a three-week strike after plant owner JBS USA agreed to resume contract negotiations with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union. The strike began on March 16 as U.S. cattle numbers hit a 75-year low and beef prices soared to record levels.

Why it matters

The Greeley plant is a major employer in the city, and this strike represents the first work stoppage at a U.S. slaughterhouse since 1985. The outcome of these negotiations could have broader implications for wages and working conditions in the meatpacking industry, which has faced labor shortages and supply chain disruptions.

The details

The striking workers in Greeley were seeking higher wages and better health care benefits from JBS USA. The company's previous contract offer included a 2% wage increase, which the union said was insufficient given Colorado's higher cost of living. After three weeks of the strike, JBS USA has agreed to reopen negotiations with the union, and workers will return to the plant on Tuesday.

  • The strike began on March 16, 2026.
  • Workers will return to the plant on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

JBS USA

The world's largest meatpacking company, with a market capitalization of $17 billion. JBS USA owns the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7

The labor union representing workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado.

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What they’re saying

“Workers remain united and will continue to fight.”

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

“Our Last, Best and Final offer remains on the table. We hope employees will have the opportunity to review and vote on it soon.”

— Nikki Richardson, Spokesperson, JBS USA

What’s next

The union and JBS USA will resume contract negotiations later this week, with workers set to return to the Greeley plant on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This strike and subsequent negotiations highlight the ongoing tensions in the meatpacking industry, where workers are seeking higher wages and better benefits amid rising food prices and supply chain challenges. The outcome of these talks could set the tone for labor relations across the sector.