In the midst of a historic strike at a Colorado meatpacking plant, Republican Rep. Gabe Evans chose not to voice support for the workers involved. This decision has drawn attention, especially given the plant’s significant presence in his district.
The strike, which began in March, saw 3,800 employees from JBS Foods in Greeley halting work for 19 days. Their efforts culminated in securing better wages, bonuses, and company-covered protective gear. This action marked the first significant strike in the meatpacking industry in over four decades.
Kim Cordova, a union leader instrumental in organizing the strike, shared with the Associated Press that the workforce braved harsh weather conditions to demonstrate their value, stating they “refused to be disrespected.”
While other Colorado politicians expressed solidarity with the striking workers, Evans maintained silence. The union noted outreach from Sen. John Hickenlooper and several state legislators, highlighting Evans’ absence from the conversation.
Adding to the scrutiny, Evans’ reelection campaign received a $5,000 donation from the JBS Foods Political Action Committee shortly after the strike vote. Previously, he had received the same amount in the prior year. Additionally, Evans received over $10,000 between 2024 and 2025 from senior figures at Cornerstone Government Affairs, a lobbying entity representing JBS Foods since 2023.
Evans has publicly lauded JBS Foods, mingling with its top executives. In January 2025, he shared a photo on X with Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS North America Operations, praising the company’s role in Weld County’s economy.
Despite its economic importance, JBS Foods has faced numerous allegations over labor and safety practices, leading to several OSHA inquiries and legal challenges. In January 2025, JBS Foods agreed to a $4 million settlement with the federal government following revelations about its cleaning contractor’s illegal employment of over 100 minors.
Jessica Looman, a Labor Department official at the time, emphasized, “The department’s work uncovering a systemic disregard for the safety of children resulted in meaningful commitments to stop and prevent child labor exploitation.”
Currently, JBS Foods is under a federal antitrust investigation.
Evans is campaigning for a second term, with his seat being one of the most contested among House Republicans. The Democratic contender will emerge from a primary on June 30, with Shannon Bird and Manny Rutinel, both of whom supported the striking workers, seeking the nomination.
“`
