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
A spicy sauce made with chili sauce and crushed red pepper flakes gives these Spicy Beef Back Ribs amazing flavor.
The key to success when cooking ribs is the low temperature and several hours of cooking time. However, this beef primal cut also contains popular tender, juicy cuts of meat like Ribeye Roast and Ribeye Steaks.
The Round Primal is home to lean, inexpensive cuts from the rump and hind legs. The muscles in this area are used for movement, so the beef is leaner and less tender. These cuts are often sold as roasts, steaks for marinating, or even Ground Beef.
One skillet, five ingredients and a few minutes are all you need to get this spiced up hash on the table!
The Sirloin is home to popular fabricated cuts but is first separated into the Top Sirloin Butt and Bottom Sirloin Butt. In the Top Sirloin, you’ll find steaks great for grilling, while the Bottom Sirloin provides cuts like Tri-Tip and Sirloin Bavette, which are good for roasting or grilling.

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:

NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart breaks down CAFO permits, EPA enforcement, and what cattle producers need to know as rules continue to evolve.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and John Rose (R-TN), who say bipartisan cooperation will be key to getting the Farm Bill to the president’s desk.
The EPA has approved over-the-top dicamba applications for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons, outlining new rules that impact herbicide use for U.S. crop producers.
Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.