Right-to-Work Pressure: Legal Group Urges JBS Strikers in Colorado to Resign from Union, Cross Picket Line

As the strike at a JBS facility in Colorado continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The group says not all workers on strike may want to participate and urges those who choose to cross the picket line to resign from their union memberships.

GREELEY, Colo. (RFD NEWS) — New developments are emerging in the ongoing strike at the JBS USA packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. Nearly 4,000 workers remain on the picket line this morning after walking off the job earlier this week.

As the strike continues, the National Right to Work Foundation is encouraging some employees to consider returning to work. The organization claims not everyone on strike actually wants to be there and is urging those members to resign from the union, cross the picket line, and return to their posts.

This week, the organization filed a special legal notice and is offering sample resignation letters to assist workers. In a statement, the group says, “JBS workers should know they have the right to resign their union memberships and return to work, regardless of what union officials say.”

Despite the disruption, at least one market analyst says the strike has had a limited impact on cattle markets so far.

“I think in the beef market, especially live cattle futures, shrugged off that JBS news pretty significantly,” said trader Bob Mauer. “When the market takes bad news and reacts bullishly, that’s saying something.”

Negotiations between JBS and union leaders are ongoing, though neither side has indicated a clear path forward at this time.

Related Stories
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Investigations are now ongoing following a massive explosion and fire at the Koch Foods poultry plant in Fairfield, Ohio, which claimed one life and injured at least three other workers at the plant.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
Stable small business confidence supports rural economies, but lingering cost pressures and uncertainty continue to shape farm-country decision-making.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.