Workers plan to halt strike at major US meatpacking plant and resume negotiations
Yahoo • • business
Key Points:
- Workers at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado, have agreed to end a three-week strike and return to work after JBS USA, the plant owner, agreed to resume contract negotiations.
- The strike, involving thousands of workers seeking higher wages and better healthcare, began on March 16 and is the first U.S. slaughterhouse strike since 1985.
- The labor dispute occurred amid historically low U.S. cattle numbers and soaring beef prices, raising concerns about potential industry disruptions and further price increases.
- Union leaders accused JBS of unfair labor practices and inadequate wage offers below inflation, while JBS denied violations and maintained its contract offer was fair.
- JBS USA is preparing to ramp up operations at the Greeley plant, which represents about 6% of U.S. beef slaughterhouse capacity and is a major employer in the region.
