Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colo., will return to work Monday without a new agreement in place.
In a news release, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 announced its members at Greeley’s Swift Beef Company, owned by JBS, will return to work after JBS agreed to return to the negotiating table. The strike originally began at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16.
According to the union, thousands of workers have joined the picket lines every day, with workers demanding JBS return to the table and negotiate fairly.
UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova says JBS has agreed to meet on April 9 and 10 to resume contract negotiations, and as such, workers will return to work for shifts starting at or after 5 a.m. on April 7.
“This decision by the union comes without any new agreement or change to company’s original offer,” says Nikki Richardson, JBS corporate communications. “Throughout this process, we have remained committed to good-faith negotiations and to operating our facility safely, responsibly and in compliance with all regulatory standards.”
She adds, “Our last, best and final offer remains on the table. This comprehensive proposal includes meaningful wage increases, a pension and other valuable benefits designed to support our team members and their families. We believe this is a strong and competitive package, and we hope employees will have the opportunity to review and vote on it soon.”
Cordova says, “Workers remain united and will continue to fight until JBS fully ends its unfair labor practices and gives workers a contract offer that protects them, shows workers the respect they deserve, and pays them a livable wage. This fight will continue and workers can take strength from the community members, farmers and ranchers, and elected officials who have joined them in this battle. We will not stop until JBS rectifies the suffering it has brought on these workers and the American people as a whole.”
The union press release states the JBS agreed to meet on April 9 and 10 to resume contract negotiations.
“We are pleased to welcome our team members back and are preparing to resume and ramp up operations at the Greeley plant next week,” Richardson says. “Our focus remains on ensuring a smooth and safe return to work for all employees while continuing to meet the needs of our customers and community.”
Dave Weaber, Terrain senior animal protein analyst, says, “I’m not sure slaughter changes much after we got back to early March levels last week. Mostly depends on packers getting beef to rally post Easter.”
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