JBS Greeley Beef Plant Workers Vote to Authorize Strike

March 9, 2026

A potential strike at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado is raising concerns across the cattle complex and beef supply chain.

Union workers at the plant have issued the required seven-day notice to terminate their contract extension, meaning a strike could begin as early as March 16. The plant employs roughly 4,000 workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7.

The strike threat comes after negotiations between the union and JBS failed to reach a new labor agreement. Union leaders say workers voted overwhelmingly in February—by 99 percent—to authorize an unfair labor practice strike, citing concerns over wages, health care costs and what they describe as the company’s refusal to negotiate fairly.

UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova said the union is seeking wage increases that keep pace with Colorado’s rising cost of living and protections against increasing health care expenses.

“For months now, JBS has been insisting on poverty-level wages for workers at the plant,” Cordova said in a statement, adding the company’s proposed wage increases would fall short of keeping up with inflation.

The current labor contract expired last July, and negotiations have continued for several months. JBS says it has negotiated with the union for eight months and believes its proposal is fair, noting it aligns with a national agreement reached with the union in 2025 that includes higher wages and pension benefits.

Meanwhile, analysts say the possible strike is adding uncertainty to the cattle market. Packers are already running relatively limited throughput as they manage tight margins, and any disruption at the Greeley facility could further tighten processing capacity.

JBS has indicated it would shift production to other facilities if a strike occurs.

Market analysts say the situation could add volatility to cattle markets and raise concerns about potential impacts on beef supplies until the labor dispute is resolved.