(CHICAGO) — More than 200 members of Teamsters Local 727 at Brookfield Zoo are now on strike after they rejected their employer’s latest offer and voted to authorize a strike on Friday.
The collective bargaining agreement expired Friday. According to the union, the zoo ended bargaining early on April 27 and presented its last, best, and final offer. Final bargaining was to happen Friday, May 1, ahead of a midnight deadline when the contract would end.
John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727, says the issues include a proposal to eliminate the 100 percent employer paid union health care.
Members of the union include animal care specialists, groundskeepers, patrol officers, seasonals, aides, and custodians. They are looking for a contract that includes wage increases and staffing guarantees.
Brookfield Zoo shared a statement saying, “The Zoo was notified this morning that a portion of the union-represented employees have begun to strike. At this time, our animal care specialists are continuing to provide uninterrupted care for the animals at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, which will remain our highest priority. The Zoo remains open with normal daily operations, and leadership is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal wellness, guest experience, and employee support that define the institution.”
