Historic contract for 26,000 JBS meatpacking workers in the United States

In a landmark victory for labour rights, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), an IUF affiliate, has ratified a national contract with JBS, the world's largest meat processing company. The agreement covers 26,000 workers across 14 beef and pork plants in the United States and sets a precedent for the global meatpacking industry.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, a nationwide pension plan has been established in the United States meatpacking industry. The new pension fund, jointly managed by UFCW and JBS, will secure retirement benefits for thousands of workers who have long endured some of the most physically demanding jobs in food production without adequate protection for their future.

The contract also delivers:

• Significant retroactive wage increases
• Paid sick leave for the first time in many plants
• Expanded paid vacation
• Stronger occupational safety and health standards

This achievement is the result of the largest nationally coordinated bargaining campaign in UFCW's history, uniting 10 local unions in a sector notorious for low pay, high injury rates, and resistance to unionization. It also comes against the backdrop of longstanding challenges for trade unions globally in efforts to hold JBS accountable - from struggles over union recognition in South America to disputes over health and safety and subcontracting in Europe and elsewhere.

JBS, which faced global criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic for failing to protect workers, has also been the subject of repeated labour disputes and safety investigations in the United States.

"This contract means better wages, safer working conditions, and a more stable future for workers in this industry," said UFCW International Vice President and IUF President Mark Lauritsen. "Every employer in the meatpacking industry should follow JBS's lead and establish pension plans for the hard-working men and women who keep America fed."

This victory is not only a milestone for American meatpacking workers but also a signal to unions worldwide: Organized, coordinated bargaining can transform even the most hostile industries.