Historic strike hits Colorado meat plant amid rising beef prices

Roughly 3,800 workers at the JBS-owned Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, initiated a strike this Monday, marking the first major US slaughterhouse walkout in four decades.

The labor dispute centers on allegations of unfair practices and meager annual wage increases that fail to keep up with Colorado’s rising inflation.

Union officials also allege the company has retaliated against staff and charged workers $1,100 or more for essential protective equipment.

Timing of the strike is critical
US cattle numbers have hit a 75-year low, and beef prices have already soared to record levels. According to government data, ground chuck beef costs have more than doubled over the last twenty years, from $2.55 to $6.07 per pound.

While JBS maintains its contract offer is fair and plans to shift production to other facilities, a prolonged dispute could further inflate grocery bills. The last meatpacking staff walkout was in 1985, and it lasted a year, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

Last November, President Donald Trump had accused foreign-owned companies of hiking up beef prices and asked the DOJ to investigate.

Experts note that Trump’s tariffs on Brazilian beef exports have reduced supply. Meanwhile, the administration touts that its deal with Argentina will reduce food prices, including beef.