Striking workers hit the streets on Monday to picket against JBS in Greeley, Colorado. Reports said it’s a rare labor stoppage at an American meatpacking plant and may be a sign of upheaval in the U.S. beef industry. The union that represents almost 4,000 employees at the beef processor said it’s the first time in forty years that American meatpacking employees have gone on strike.

 “Workers have taken on the company over wage increases they say fall short of the rate of inflation, and over charges of inadequate safety equipment,” Reports say. “JBS, the world’s largest meat company, said it has made a fair offer.” The dispute will cut down on American beef production capacity right when consumers face record prices for hamburgers and steaks. Industry analysts say tight cattle supplies have forced processors to pay steep prices for cattle, which will likely leave JBS motivated to resolve the strike quickly.  

Striking workers hit the streets on Monday to picket against JBS in Greeley, Colorado. Reports said it’s a rare labor stoppage at an American meatpacking plant and may be a sign of upheaval in the U.S. beef industry. The union that represents almost 4,000 employees at the beef processor said it’s the first time in forty years that American meatpacking employees have gone on strike. “Workers have taken on the company over wage increases they say fall short of the rate of inflation, and over charges of inadequate safety equipment,” Reports say. “JBS, the world’s largest meat company, said it has made a fair offer.” The dispute will cut down on American beef production capacity right when consumers face record prices for hamburgers and steaks. Industry analysts say tight cattle supplies have forced processors to pay steep prices for cattle, which will likely leave JBS motivated to resolve the strike quickly. -NAFB

Strike begins at major Colorado meatpacker