By Brazil Stock Guide — JBS (JBSS3; JBSAY) said its beef processing plant in Greeley continues operating despite a strike called by UFCW Local 7, in a labor dispute involving about 3,800 employees at the facility.
According to the company, “many JBS Greeley team members chose to report to work rather than participate in the strike,” adding that it expects that number to “continue increasing in the days ahead.” The company also said “any employee who reports for their scheduled shift will have work available and will be paid.”
JBS said the facility is continuing to operate “to the best of our ability this week” while prioritizing stability for its workforce.
Company criticizes union decision
JBS said it worked for eight months to reach what it described as a balanced agreement with the union.
“Over the past eight months, JBS USA worked diligently to reach a balanced and responsible agreement with UFCW Local 7,” the company said. “Instead of continuing constructive dialogue, the union abruptly ended negotiations and unilaterally canceled the existing contract.”
The company also said the union leadership did not allow workers to vote on the company’s proposal.
“Our team members want stability, they want to support their families, and they deserved the opportunity to vote on the company’s historic offer — an opportunity the union leadership has denied them,” the statement said.
JBS added that the proposal presented to the union was “strong, competitive, and aligned with the historic national agreement reached in 2025 with UFCW International,” which the company said has already delivered wage increases, pensions and financial stability to more than 25,000 JBS team members across the United States.
Union calls strike historic
Union leaders have presented a different account of the dispute. Representatives of UFCW Local 7 say workers voted 99% in favor of authorizing the strike and described the walkout as a historic moment for the U.S. beef industry.
According to the union, the strike would be the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse in roughly four decades.
On Monday morning, hundreds of workers gathered outside the plant in Greeley, which is owned by JBS USA. According to local media reports, picketers walked back and forth in front of the facility carrying signs and chanting “huelga” — Spanish for “strike.”
Production adjustments
To limit disruptions in the supply chain, JBS said it is temporarily adjusting production across its U.S. network.
“By utilizing available capacity at other JBS facilities, we can maintain supply, protect the long-term stability of the beef chain, and minimize disruption for consumers and retailers,” the company said.
JBS also reiterated that the Greeley facility “complies fully with all federal and state labor and employment laws” and said it remains committed to open communication with employees while working toward a resolution.
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