Myths vs Facts​

JBS is refusing the meet with the UFCW Local 7.

False. JBS has never refused to meet with the union. The company’s offer, which aligns with the national agreement, is still on the table and we are willing to meet if the union would like to discuss it.

The UFCW Local 7 is striking over worker conditions, not economic considerations.

False. The company and the union resolved all non-economic items in bargaining. Although JBS leaders negotiated in good faith for eight months, union leadership walked away from the bargaining table over economic factors.

JBS is short-changing workers with its offered wage package.

False. The offer we presented is strong, fair, and consistent with the historic national contract reached in 2025 in partnership with UFCW International – an agreement that has already delivered higher wages, a secure pension, and long-term financial stability for team members at our other major facilities. Specifically, our offer includes:

• Historic pension plan: Guaranteed retirement benefits for the first time in decades.
• Immediate cash bonus: A $750 ratification bonus and a $500 pension contribution.
• Higher wages & retro pay: Significant wage increases that are retroactive to July 21, 2025.
• Better benefits: Additional vacation time, increased paid bereavement leave, and a higher meal allowance.

JBS has a long history of underpaying Greeley workers.

False. Since 2019, base hourly wages at the Greeley plant have increased by approximately 46%, outpacing Northern Colorado/Front Range inflation of roughly 25% over the same period. This represents a real wage growth of about 16% for team members. At our Greeley facility, base pay begins at $23.25 per hour, with average hourly earnings of $26.00 per hour, and top pay at $29.75 per hour. On average, our team members earn 171.5% of Colorado’s current minimum wage, underscoring the strength of our wage structure before the increases set to be included with this new offer.

Local union membership is united in declining JBS’ offer.

False. JBS team members have been denied an opportunity to vote on this offer by union leadership. Workers at other plants are already benefiting from the historic new terms, again reached in partnership with UFCW International. Greeley team members deserve that same opportunity.

Unfortunately, Local 7 union leaders have not yet allowed a vote – a decision that keeps workers from choosing for themselves and what is best for their families. Team members can demand their local union afford them the right and opportunity to vote – currently the Local President says she is the only one who can decide on the offer.  

Contact the Local Union: 303-425-0897

Contact the International Union: 1 (800) 551-4010

Workers have no choice but to strike.

False. JBS guarantees that work and pay will be available to any Greeley beef team members who do not wish to strike and want to continue working, in accordance with our Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Local 7 Union has a history of intimidating and punishing team members during strikes – for example, fining King Sooper’s employees in 2025. It’s unclear what local union leaders will do in this instance – but employees could be fined.

These union fines can create financial strain for our dedicated team members who work hard for their paychecks. If team members are worried about being financially punished by the union, they have the choice to withdraw their membership.

JBS is giving workers a bad offer.

False. We’re focused on the long-term success of this facility and must balance providing our team members the best offer possible, while also ensuring the plant stays open and operational. We’re doing this to the best of our ability, helping feed American families even amid external pressures like the cattle cycle that have caused some other beef facilities to close or scale back.

The Greeley plant can’t run while the Union is striking.

False. The plant can and will operate – either with workers who choose not to strike, or with replacement workers. If team members would like to come to work, they can, they are welcome, and they will be paid.

JBS went around union leadership and met with workers directly.

JBS had no other choice but to speak with team members directly, as local union leaders withheld factual information from our “Last, Best, and Final Offer.” We also wanted to hear directly from our team members about any issues so that we can work to address them together.

Considering that UFCW Local 7 union leaders have been found guilty of numerous National Labor Relations Board violations, it’s reasonable to communicate with our employees about their jobs, wages, and well-being. As recent as last week, the National Labor board said they would prosecute UFCW Local 7 for illegally imposing fines on King Soopers workers who refused to strike last summer.

JBS forced workers to use dull, unsafe knives on the processing floor.

False. We have a process to provide newly sharpened knives frequently throughout the day. Additionally, we are upgrading all knives across the plant to industry-leading Victorinox knives.

JBS isn’t making enough personal protective equipment (PPE) available, denying workers this needed safety equipment.

False. We provide PPE to all team members at no cost to them. Our policy is—and has long been—that team members are only responsible for paying for personal protective equipment if the equipment is lost or maliciously damaged. When PPE wears out through normal use, the company replaces it at no cost to our team members. This policy has been in place, and part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in Greeley, for nearly 25 years.

JBS forces workers to pay for their own personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the job.

False. The union’s claim is inaccurate. Our policy is—and has long been—that team members are only responsible for paying for personal protective equipment if the equipment is lost or maliciously damaged. When PPE wears out through normal use, the company replaces it at no cost to our team members. This policy has been in place and part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in Greeley for nearly 25 years.

JBS unfairly restricts restroom access for workers.

False. No team member should ever be denied reasonable access to the restroom. We have a long-standing process designed to ensure team members can leave the line for approved and necessary reasons, including using the restroom, without disrupting operations. If team members ever feel they are being unfairly denied access or the process is not being followed, they should report this to Human Resources immediately.

JBS allowed a culture of workplace harassment within the Greeley plant, and workers don’t feel safe reporting harassment to management.

False. Team member safety and treating our employees with respect are our top priorities. We investigate every allegation of harassment. If team members ever feel harassed or uncomfortable, they should notify Human Resources immediately. We take immediate steps during any investigation to prevent further issues and protect our team. Furthermore, we enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for retaliation against anyone who reports an issue or participates in an investigation. Team members are safe to speak up. Also, if our team members suffer intimidation, harassment, or retaliation by UFCW Local 7 leaders or representatives, they should notify UFCW International; they can be reached at 1 (800) 551-4010.

JBS forced workers into recklessly faster production speeds, jeopardizing safety.

False. Production line speeds in federally inspected meat facilities cannot be changed or increased without the oversight of the USDA-FSIS inspectors who are required by federal law to be in the plant every day that operations occur. These systems are built with multiple layers of regulatory, union, engineering, and safety review to protect workers and ensure a safe food supply. Additionally, we employ highly trained industrial engineers and for decades have hosted the UFCW International Union’s own industrial engineer into this facility and others to assess our crewing and line speeds, with little to no issues found.

Greeley team members are routinely disciplined for taking sick time.

False. We strictly follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding employee notifications and the administration of regulatory benefits. Team member health and well-being are very important to JBS. Disciplinary action is only issued in circumstances where clear Company policies and rules are violated, and it is always handled in full compliance with the law. If team members have questions about sick leave eligibility, our Human Resources team is here to help.