UFCW Local 7 and JBS USA Reach Notable Collective Bargaining Agreement at the JBS Meat Processing Plant in Greeley, Colorado

After months of discussions, UFCW Local 7 and Union employer JBS USA have reached an agreement on an industry-leading collective bargaining agreement. The contract offers Local 7 members at JBS some of the highest wages in the meatpacking industry in the country. These new wages provide salary increases for essential workers who have been on the frontlines providing food for the country throughout the pandemic.

Wages at the facility will now range from $21.75 an hour to $28.25 an hour, depending on the role. The contract also includes over 100 different positions that will see grade increases, an increase in weekly disability pay from $250 per week to $425 per week, and a quality health insurance PPO plan that allows workers to choose where they get health care. 

In addition to improved wages and benefits, a new Letter of Understanding about dangerous emergencies was signed that includes robust safety protocols and training requirements. There were also improvements to the Safety Committee, an update to the definition of a “serious injury,” and additions of certain protected classes.

Kim Cordova, President of UFCW Local 7, which represents more than 3,000 workers at the JBS Greeley plant, issued the following statement:  

“Thanks to the hard work of our bargaining teams and input from our Local 7 members at JBS, we were able to reach a new agreement that will immensely benefit and protect our meatpacking members who have already endured so much during the pandemic. After a difficult year, we are proud to bring our JBS Greeley members something to be happy about: a contract that benefits their wallets, health and well-being, and provides a safer workplace. We look forward to continuing to work hard for our members to ensure that they are heard and that their work and contributions are respected.” 

Tim Schellpeper, President, Fed Beef Division, JBS USA, which includes oversight of the Greeley, Colo. beef production facility, issued the following statement: 

“We are pleased to announce the achievement of this new agreement in partnership with Local 7 that will benefit our team members at the Greeley beef production facility. Our priority is always the health and safety of our workforce, and we believe the new CBA positively contributes to the overall well-being of our team. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with Local 7 and to ensuring that JBS USA is an employer of choice for our current and future team members.”