Colorado Representative Silent Amid Historic Meatpacking Strike
A labor dispute at a Colorado meatpacking plant has thrown the spotlight on Republican Rep. Gabe Evans, who remained silent during a significant workers’ strike in his district.
The JBS Foods facility in Greeley witnessed a 19-day strike by approximately 3,800 employees in March. This marked the first major strike in the meatpacking industry in over four decades. The workers, who ultimately secured wage increases, bonuses, and company-paid protective gear, braved the cold for weeks to demand better conditions.
Union president Kim Cordova, instrumental in organizing the strike, emphasized the workers’ determination, telling the Associated Press, “because they knew their worth and refused to be disrespected.”
While other Colorado lawmakers backed the striking workers, Evans was noticeably absent. The union noted contact from Sen. John Hickenlooper and various state legislators, but Evans did not engage.
Evans’ campaign finances have come under scrutiny, with a $5,000 contribution from the JBS Foods PAC on February 23, shortly after workers authorized the strike. This followed a similar donation from the PAC the previous year.
Additionally, between 2024 and 2025, Evans received over $10,000 in donations from senior employees of Cornerstone Government Affairs, a lobbying firm representing JBS Foods since 2023.
Evans has publicly supported JBS Foods, describing it as “a vital part of Weld County’s workforce and economy” in a social media post featuring a photo with Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS North America Operations.
The meatpacking giant, JBS Foods, has faced numerous labor and safety allegations. In 2025, the company agreed to a $4 million settlement with the federal government after its cleaning contractor was found to have illegally employed over 100 minors aged 13 to 17.
“The department’s work uncovering a systemic disregard for the safety of children resulted in meaningful commitments to stop and prevent child labor exploitation,” stated Jessica Looman, a Labor Department administrator at the time.
JBS Foods is also currently under a federal antitrust investigation.
Facing a challenging reelection bid, Evans is considered one of the most vulnerable Republican representatives. His Democratic opponent will emerge from a June 30 primary, with candidates including former state Rep. Shannon Bird and current state Rep. Manny Rutinel, both of whom supported the JBS Foods employees on the picket line.
