Colorado Meatpacking Workers Win Pay Hike After Strike at JBS Plant

Workers at one of the largest meatpacking plants in the United States have secured wage increases following a multi-week strike, according to reporting by Jessica Hill for the Associated Press (AP).

Under the tentative agreement, workers will receive wage increases over the next two years and a one-time $750 bonus. (Photo: UCW Local 1167 Facebook)

The Swift Beef Company facility in Greeley, Colorado, operated by JBS USA, is set to return to normal operations after the agreement.

Thousands of workers, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, staged a three-week strike seeking higher wages and improved health care benefits.

The strike ended on April 4 after JBS agreed to resume negotiations.

Under the tentative agreement, workers will receive wage increases over the next two years and a one-time $750 bonus. The union described the deal as delivering “all gains, countless improvements, and not a single concession.”

The contract also requires the company to cover personal protective equipment costs and protects workers from increases in health care expenses.

Union president Kim Cordova said workers endured extreme weather conditions during the strike.

“They knew their worth and refused to be disrespected. Today, that sacrifice has been rewarded,” she said, adding: “This is what union power looks like.”