Thousands of workers at the JBS meatpacking facility in Greeley are set to return to work next week, despite the absence of a new agreement following their strike for improved wages and safer working conditions. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 announced the decision to end the strike, formally notifying JBS of its intent to have employees back on the job by Tuesday.
In a news release, JBS confirmed that the union’s decision to conclude the strike came without any updates to the company’s previous offer. The company emphasized its commitment to good-faith negotiations and adherence to safety and regulatory standards throughout the process. Their proposal, referred to as the “Last, Best and Final offer,” includes proposed wage increases, a pension plan, and other benefits aimed at supporting employees and their families. JBS remains optimistic that employees will have the chance to review and vote on this package soon.
The labor action, which saw approximately 3,800 workers walk off the job on March 16, garnered national attention due to JBS’s prominence in the U.S. beef industry. The company had been diverting production to other facilities in an attempt to sustain normal operations during the strike.
UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova announced that negotiations would resume with JBS on Thursday and Friday. She expressed the union’s steadfast resolve to continue advocating for workers’ rights. Cordova stated, “Workers remain united and will continue to fight until JBS fully ends its unfair labor practices and gives workers a contract offer that protects them, shows workers the respect they deserve, and pays them a livable wage.” She also noted the outpouring of support from community members, farmers, ranchers, and elected officials who have rallied alongside workers.
Among those supporting the strikers is Jenifer Montes, who has been distributing water and food to them outside the facility. Montes expressed her confusion regarding the union’s decision to end the strike. “It was just really a shock and everybody’s so confused. We were prepared, as a community, to go back out there on Tuesday. They were preparing the crowd and strikers to keep fighting, and now it feels like they gave up,” she said.
The UFCW’s communication highlighted the workers’ earlier authorization of an unfair labor practice strike against JBS. The action stemmed from grievances over the company’s refusal to negotiate fairly, address claims of wage theft, provide competitive raises that align with the rising cost of living in Colorado, and stabilize health care costs for employees. The union alleged that JBS has resorted to illegal tactics, including threats to cut healthcare benefits and intimidate employees to resign from the union.
Despite the union’s allegations, JBS has maintained that it has adhered to labor laws and regulations throughout the dispute. The situation remains fluid as workers prepare to return, and negotiations are set to continue, leaving many in the community anxious about the future of labor relations at the facility.
