Meatpacking Workers Strike in Colorado
Thousands of meatpacking workers in Colorado began a strike, citing unfair labor practices amid contract disputes and low U.S. cattle inventory.
Atlas Newsdesk ·
Meatpacking Workers Strike in Colorado Approximately 3,800 workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, initiated a strike on Monday, March 16, 2026, marking the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse since the 1980s. This action by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 follows accusations of unfair labor practices and retaliation by owner JBS USA during contract negotiations, which failed to produce an agreement before the previous contract expired.
The strike's timing coincides with a 75-year low in the U.S. cattle population, with a January 1 inventory of 86.2 million animals, representing a 1% decrease from the previous year. This reduction in cattle supply has contributed to elevated beef prices and broader economic concerns in the U.S. The JBS USA plant in Greeley is one of the nation's largest meatpacking facilities, and its operational disruption could impact the beef supply chain.
JBS USA stated its intention to maintain two shifts at the plant and reallocate production to other facilities to mitigate impacts on customers and the market. The company affirmed its compliance with labor laws. Union representatives reported a 99% vote in favor of the strike, with no formal negotiations occurring over the weekend after the company declined a union request for talks.