Thousands of JBS Workers Begin to Strike in Colorado as They Urge for Better Pay and Benefits

Thousands of workers at one of the country’s largest beef processing plants are on the picket line this morning.

3,800 at the JBS plant in Greely, Colorado have walked off the job. Union officials say talks have been underway since July, but note they have hit a stalemate. Workers are calling for better safety protocols, pay, and healthcare costs.

Traders have been watching negotiations closely since contracts there expired last summer, and they warn that plant may never see production again.

“3,800 workers will be displaced as they go on strike, and there’s a lot of talk that plant may not open again. They may just shift and divert slaughter to another facility and they may not ever open this plant, unfortunately,” said Brian Hoops with Midwest Market Solutions.

Hoops says this strike opens the door for JBS to relocate to a state that is considered more business-friendly.

“You hear a lot of businesses moving out of Florida or state of Washington, California, certainly into more tax-friendly states like Texas, Florida. Maybe JBS is looking at this as an opportunity to relocate, like you said, down into Texas. Of course, South Dakota has no income tax, and I believe Missouri is going in that direction as well back in 2027.”

Related Stories
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.
Tennessee Ag in focus: Commissioner Holt shares his farm economy outlook, the TNFB honors a cotton legacy, and TN 4-H and FFA leaders discuss support for the next generation of agriculture in Tennessee.
F-10 Wound Spray can now be used for livestock and other animals as officials monitor the ongoing New World Screwworm outbreak in Mexico.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.