United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 members who work at a JBS meat processing plant in Denver unanimously voted to strike on Monday, according to a union press release. 

The 200 essential Workers, who process beef and pork that goes to major grocers throughout the state, voted to authorise a strike following the company's continued unfair labour practices. 

The parties have been negotiating this latest contract since September 10, 2022.

"Instead of negotiating in good faith on a fair contract for its workers, Denver Processing is conducting unfair labour practices by unilaterally changing workplace policies that have not been bargained on," said Kim Cordova, Vice President of UFCW International and president of UFCW Local 7 in Colorado and Wyoming. "These tactics, some of which are presently pending with the National Labor Relations Board, create a precarious and often dangerous workplace for these essential workers who risked their health and lives during the pandemic so that we could have meat on our tables."

"Management at the Denver processing plant and its JBS leadership need to stop unfair labour practices and come to the table with proposals for an industry-leading agreement that honours these workers," Cordova continued. "If they fail to do so, workers have told us loud and clear, they are prepared to walk out."