Colorado Beef Plant Workers Stage First U.S. Slaughterhouse Strike in 40 years
TL/DR –
Almost 3,800 workers went on strike at a JBS USA owned meatpacking plant in Colorado, following accusations of unfair labor practices and retaliation against workers amid contract negotiations. Union officials claim that JBS has in some cases charged workers over $1,100 for personal protective equipment. The strike, said to be the first at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse in four decades, comes at a time when the U.S. cattle population is at a 75-year low and beef prices have reached record levels.
Massive Strike at Colorado Meatpacking Plant Ignites Concerns
In Greeley, Colorado, approximately 3,800 employees of one of the country’s largest meatpacking plants, owned by JBS USA, have gone on strike for the first time in U.S history in 40 years. This industrial action is the result of allegations by union officials that JBS USA retaliated against workers and engaged in unfair labor practices during contract negotiations. The contract lapsed on Sunday night.
The company’s lack of appreciation for workers, according to Leticia Avalos, a 34-year-old union steward and Greeley native, is the root of the problem. “It’s the number one place where all of Greeley works,” she said. “It’s a huge impact in the community for us to be striking.”
A company spokesperson at JBS USA expressed disappointment with Local 7’s decision to end negotiations, insisting that their contract offer was fair. However, the union argued that workers deserve wage increases that keep pace with inflation, ensure healthcare commensurate with the toll their work takes on their bodies, and allow them to live with dignity and respect.
This strike coincides with a 75-year low in the U.S. cattle population, resulting in soaring beef prices, which have more than doubled over the past two decades. The price for 100% ground chuck beef has increased from $2.55 to $6.07 per pound, contributing to economic unease in the U.S. Moreover, tariffs on Brazil, a significant beef exporter, implemented by President Donald Trump, have also restricted imports.
In January, Tyson Foods shut down a meatpacking plant in Lexington, Nebraska, citing a smaller herd and anticipated losses of millions of dollars this year. Kim Cordova, president of the United Food and Commercial Union Local 7, disclosed that 99% of workers voted in favor of the strike. Despite the strike, JBS said it would continue operating two shifts at the plant and would temporarily relocate production to other JBS facilities as required.
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