Core Event: Approximately 3,800 workers at the JBS-owned Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, agreed to end their three-week strike and return to work on Tuesday, April 8, after the company committed to resume contract negotiations beginning April 9[1][2]. The strike, which began March 16, was the first at a U.S. slaughterhouse since 1985[4].
Who's Involved: The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union (represented by President Kim Cordova) negotiated on behalf of workers against JBS USA, the world's largest meatpacking company valued at $17 billion[4]. JBS is the top employer in Greeley, a city of approximately 114,000 people northeast of Denver[4].
What Led to the Strike: Workers demanded higher wages and better health care[2]. The union rejected JBS's wage offer of less than 2% annually—below Colorado's inflation rate—and accused the company of unfair labor practices and worker retaliation[4][5]. JBS maintains its contract offer is fair and consistent with deals at other plants, but the union argues Colorado has higher living costs and that health care expenses consume much of the wage increase[4].
Why It's Newsworthy: The Greeley plant represents approximately 6% of total U.S. beef slaughterhouse capacity, making it critical to the national supply chain[2][5]. An extended strike threatened to disrupt meat production and drive up beef prices for consumers[2]. The strike also occurs amid a 75-year low in U.S. cattle numbers and record beef prices[4][5].