Zoo Workers Reject Offer, Authorize Strike Amid Contract Dispute

Zoo Workers Vote to Strike Following Employer’s Offer

Press Contact: Caleen Carter-Patton Phone: (847) 696-7500 Email: Caleen@teamsterslocal727.org

In a decisive move, over 200 employees of the Chicago Zoological Society, operating as Brookfield Zoo Chicago, have voted to strike after rejecting the employer's final offer. These workers are members of Teamsters Local 727, and their dissatisfaction stems from a proposed contract that expires on May 1, 2026, at midnight.

Bargaining talks were unexpectedly cut short on April 27 by the Chicago Zoological Society, right before they put forward their last offer. This proposal suggested less than a four percent wage increase, a point of contention especially as "the zoo’s final proposal would eliminate the 100 percent employer paid union health care — something these Teamsters have earned and relied upon for decades," according to John Coli Jr., the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. Coli emphasized the disparity in compensation, pointing out a significant 70 percent increase in the CEO's salary.

Brookfield Zoo’s workforce, consisting of animal care specialists, groundskeepers, patrol officers, aides, and custodians, is advocating for a deal that secures better wages and ensures staffing levels meet their operational and safety needs. The negotiations have been fraught with issues, with allegations of unfair labor practices being levied against CZS. At present, there are eight unfair labor practice charges filed with Region 13 of the labor board.

A final negotiation session is scheduled for Friday, May 1, just ahead of the contract's expiration deadline.

Teamsters Local 727 is a significant labor organization representing nearly 10,000 workers in the Chicago area. More information can be found at teamsterslocal727.org.