JBS Workers in Colorado to Resume Work Amid Promise of Talks

• The strike involved about 3,800 workers at the world's largest meat company's Colorado beef plant, impacting U.S. processing capacity at a critical time when cattle supplies are at their lowest level in 75 years
• Workers are seeking wage increases that reflect inflation and an end to company charges for replacing protective equipment, though JBS states no new deal or changes to the original offer have been made
• The labor dispute comes as the beef industry faces record-high prices and as competitor Tyson Foods has closed a Nebraska plant and reduced Texas operations, further straining processing capacity

Summary

Workers at JBS's beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado agreed to end a three-week strike and return to work on April 4, 2026, after the company agreed to resume contract negotiations. Talks are scheduled for April 9-10.

The strike involved approximately 3,800 workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7. Workers are demanding wages that reflect inflation, an end to company charges for replacing protective equipment, and improved working conditions. Union President Kim Cordova stated workers "remain united and will continue to fight until JBS fully ends its unfair labor practices."

JBS, the world's largest meat company, confirmed no new deal has been reached and the original offer remains unchanged. The company expressed readiness to ramp up operations at the Greeley facility next week.

The strike significantly impacted U.S. beef processing capacity during a critical period. U.S. beef prices have reached record highs in 2026 as the nation's cattle supply dropped to a 75-year low, creating elevated costs for meatpackers purchasing cattle for slaughter. Despite these higher input costs, processors have benefited from climbing beef prices.

The labor disruption compounds broader industry challenges, as competitor Tyson Foods closed a Nebraska beef plant and reduced operations at a Texas facility this year. The timing is particularly problematic for meatpackers, who typically maximize plant capacity to offset substantial operating costs.

The resolution allows JBS to restore production capacity amid tight beef supplies, though labor tensions persist pending successful contract negotiations later this month.