On Monday, March 16^th approximately 3,800 workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants went on strike in what union representatives said is the first walkout at a U.S. beef slaughterhouse since the 1980s.

The strike at the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley follows accusations from union officials that owner JBS USA retaliated against workers and committed other unfair labor practices amid contract negotiations. A previous contract expired at midnight March 15.

JBS USA ranks No. 10 among agriculture/food processing carriers.

The strike comes at a 75-year low for the U.S. cattle population, with a Jan. 1 inventory of 86.2 million animals, which is down 1% from the prior year. Beef prices have added to economic anxiety in the U.S., while the administration of President Donald Trump has turned to a trade deal with Argentina in efforts to lower prices for food, including beef.

It also follows the January closure of a meatpacking plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which was expected to ripple through the local economy and community.

It is reported that 99% of workers voted to authorize the strike. 

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 President Kim Cordova says the union is seeking wage increases that keep pace with Colorado’s rising cost of living and protections against increasing health care expenses.

JBS USA had said in statement that any employee who didn’t want to strike would have work and be paid. The company said it would operate two shifts at the plant March 16 and would temporarily move production as needed to other JBS facilities.

“Our goal is to minimize impact to our customers, our partners, and the broader marketplace while we work toward a fair resolution in Greeley,” the company said.

Market analysts say the strike adds uncertainty to cattle markets. Packers are already operating with relatively tight margins and limited throughput, and any disruption at the Greeley facility could further tighten processing capacity. The situation could add volatility to cattle markets and raise concerns about potential impacts on beef supplies until the labor dispute is resolved.

It’s the first strike at a U.S. slaughterhouse since workers walked out at a Hormel plant in Minnesota in 1985,