JBS Reaches Labor Deal With Striking Meatpacking Workers

The agreement covering 3,800 employees includes pay bumps through 2027.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:34am

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a collection of polished metal, wood, and glass objects arranged elegantly on a clean white background, conceptually representing the abstract corporate strategy and labor negotiations in the meatpacking industry.The landmark labor deal between JBS and its striking meatpacking workers reflects the leverage employees can wield in an industry facing staffing shortages.Greeley Today

The local union for thousands of beef processing plant workers in Colorado reached a new labor agreement with JBS, the world's largest meat company, a week after employees agreed to return to work following a three-week strike. The local union chapter representing 3,800 workers at the Greeley, Colo., beef plant went on strike March 16, seeking higher wages and other workplace changes.

Why it matters

The strike at the JBS plant in Greeley was the largest at a U.S. meat-processing plant in decades, underscoring the ongoing tensions between meatpacking companies and their workers over wages and working conditions in an industry that has faced labor shortages and disruptions during the pandemic.

The details

The two sides announced the new pact on Sunday, which includes pay increases for the 3,800 workers at the Greeley plant through 2027. The strike was the largest at a U.S. meat-processing plant in decades.

  • The workers went on strike on March 16, 2026.
  • The workers returned to work last week.
  • The new labor agreement was announced on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

JBS

The world's largest meat company.

Local union chapter

The union representing 3,800 workers at the Greeley, Colorado beef plant.

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The takeaway

This labor agreement between JBS and its workers in Greeley highlights the ongoing challenges in the meatpacking industry to balance the needs of companies and employees, especially around wages and working conditions. The strike underscores the leverage that workers can wield when they organize collectively, even at the largest meat producers.