# JBS Says Colorado Beef Plant Continues Operating Despite Strike

*Brazilian meat giant says many workers reported to work while union calls walkout the first U.S. beef slaughterhouse strike in four decades.*

- Published: 2026-03-16
- Section: Insights
- Tags: JBS beef plant Greeley, JBS Greeley plant strike, JBS labor dispute USA, JBS labor practices dispute, JBS strike Colorado, JBS workers strike Colorado, meatpacking strike United States, UFCW Local 7 strike
- URL: https://brazilstockguide.com/insights/jbs-strike-colorado-greeley-plant/

![JBS workers on strike outside the company’s beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, during labor dispute with UFCW Local 7](https://i0.wp.com/brazilstockguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JBS-us-greeley-strike.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)

*JBS employees hold signs during a strike outside the company’s beef processing facility in Greeley, Colorado, as the labor dispute with UFCW Local 7 continues.*

**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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Source: Brazil Stock Guide, https://brazilstockguide.com/insights/jbs-strike-colorado-greeley-plant/