Meatpacking Workers Strike in Colorado
Thousands of meatpacking workers at a JBS plant in Colorado began a strike over wages, benefits, and safety, impacting U.S. beef production.
Atlas Newsdesk ·
Meatpacking Workers Strike in Colorado Thousands of meatpacking workers initiated a strike on Monday, March 16, 2026, at a JBS-owned facility in Greeley, Colorado, marking the industry's first such action in 40 years. The United Food and Commercial Union Local 7, representing 3,800 striking workers, cited JBS's failure to meet demands for higher wages, improved safety equipment, and better healthcare during contract negotiations. The previous contract expired on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
JBS USA, which processes 85% of U.S. beef and employs 25,000 workers across nine facilities, stated its current offer included significant wage increases, a secure pension, and long-term financial stability for other unionized employees. The company indicated it would attempt to maintain operations at the Greeley plant. The union plans for the strike to last two weeks, with potential for extension.
This labor action occurs amidst a 15.2% increase in beef prices over the past year, attributed to the smallest cattle herd size in 75 years. The Trump administration announced in February 2026 an increase in beef imports from Argentina by 80,000 metric tons to mitigate rising prices. In January 2026, JBS agreed to pay $83.5 million to settle allegations of price-fixing with other meatpackers.