JBS workers go on strike at one of largest beef plants in the US

Food Dive reported the development on 2026-03-16. The work stoppage at the meatpacker's facility in Greeley, Colorado, comes as consumer beef prices soar to record highs.

The report places the news in a wider commercial context. Around 3,800 JBS meatpacking workers went on strike Monday, slowing production at one of the largest beef plants in the U.S. at a time of record-high prices. JBS said in a statement to Food Dive that it stands by the offer presented to workers, calling the deal "competitive." The company is shifting manufacturing capacity to other processing facilities to minimize disruption, it said.

For the food sector, the practical implications extend beyond the immediate announcement. JBS’ work stoppage comes as U.S. beef prices soar to record highs. The firm’s plant in Greeley is capable of handling up to 6,000 cattle per day, according to the Wall Street Journal, or roughly 7% of its total beef processing capacity in the U.S.

Attention now turns to how companies, customers and regulators respond. “JBS can afford to do better,” Cordova said. The impact of the work stoppage on consumer beef prices is unclear, but it's unlikely to drive up consumer costs further. Many beef packers are dealing with excess processing capacity amid a severe cattle shortage that has driven up the cost of livestock.