JBS Greeley Strike Pauses as Negotiations Resume

High-stakes talks continue amid fragile supply chains

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:09pm

A minimalist studio photograph featuring a single, polished metal meat hook suspended against a stark white background, casting a long, dramatic shadow that fills the frame.The JBS Greeley strike casts a long shadow over the fragile meat supply chain.Greeley Today

A historic three-week strike at the JBS protein processing plant in Greeley, Colorado has paused as both sides return to the negotiating table. The walkout crippled one of the nation's largest meat production facilities, exacerbating existing supply chain issues. With tensions high and the stakes even higher, the outcome of these high-stakes negotiations will have far-reaching impacts on the local economy and the broader food system.

Why it matters

The JBS Greeley plant is a critical node in the nation's meat supply chain, processing thousands of cattle and hogs each day. The prolonged strike has disrupted production, leading to shortages and price increases that ripple through the food system. Resolving this labor dispute is crucial to restoring stability and avoiding further supply chain breakdowns.

The details

Workers at the JBS Greeley facility walked off the job three weeks ago, demanding better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The strike has halted production at the plant, which normally processes over 5,000 cattle and 18,000 hogs per day. Both the union and JBS management have returned to the negotiating table, but tensions remain high as they try to reach a deal that satisfies the workers' demands without crippling the company's operations.

  • The strike at the JBS Greeley plant began on March 19, 2026.
  • Negotiations between JBS and the union resumed on April 9, 2026.

The players

JBS

One of the world's largest meat processing companies, operating facilities across the United States.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW)

The labor union representing workers at the JBS Greeley plant.

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What they’re saying

“We're committed to reaching a fair agreement that addresses the concerns of our workers while also ensuring the long-term viability of this critical facility.”

— Andre Nogueira, CEO, JBS USA

“Our members have sacrificed a lot to get JBS to the table, and we won't back down until we secure the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”

— Kim Cordova, President, UFCW Local 7

What’s next

The judge overseeing the negotiations has set a deadline of April 15th for the two sides to reach a tentative agreement. If no deal is reached by then, the strike may resume, further disrupting the nation's meat supply.

The takeaway

The JBS Greeley strike highlights the fragility of the U.S. food supply chain and the high-stakes battles between labor and management in the meatpacking industry. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching consequences for workers, consumers, and the broader economy.