3,800 JBS Meatpacking Workers Launch Strike Over "Unfair Labor Practices"

By Editor, March 16, 2026

Approximately 3,800 workers at JBS USA's Swift Beef plant in Greeley, Colorado, one of the nation's largest meatpacking facilities, began an "unfair labor practice" strike at 5:30 a.m. today.

Represented by UFCW Local 7, employees voted overwhelmingly (99%) to authorize the action after failed negotiations and accusations of retaliation by the company.

This marks the first major walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse in decades. Union leaders criticized JBS for "prioritizing profits over workers" amid record-high beef prices. No new talks occurred over the weekend.

The strike could impact supply chains as consumers face elevated meat costs. JBS has not publicly commented in detail on the labor dispute.