Brookfield Zoo Chicago Terminates 33 Year Member Without Just Cause
(CHICAGO)— The Chicago Zoological Society d/b/a Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“the Zoo”) recently terminated long term Teamsters Local 727 member and Union steward Carrie Sapienza. Carrie worked at the Brookfield Zoo for 33 years and was Senior Groundskeeper and Union steward at the time of her unjust termination. Additionally, Carrie serves as Warden for Teamsters Local 727.
Upon request from the Union, representatives from the Zoo have been unable to produce any investigatory documentation outside of the termination paperwork itself. According to the notice of discharge, Carrie was allegedly terminated for “conduct, insubordination, uncooperative [sic], and disobedience.” According to the paperwork, Carrie was terminated for, while acting in her role as Senior Groundskeeper, allegedly “overstepped her authority” by asking for information and speaking directly with contractor staff in the removal of tram cars.
“Even if Carrie did what the Zoo alleges she did, which she vehemently denies, it’s simply not terminable,” said John Coli, Jr., Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer. “The Zoo did not do any investigation whatsoever, and this was clearly a witch hunt against a very active Union steward. Teamsters Local 727 has filed both a grievance and ULPs (unfair labor practice charges) stemming from Carrie’s termination and the Zoo’s unlawful, egregious behavior.”
On behalf of a beloved member of the Zoo community and Teamsters Local 727 member and steward, Teamsters Local 727 is asking members of the public to sign an online petition demanding Carrie’s reinstatement. The petition can be found here: bit.ly/4kpp4gH
Teamsters Local 727 represents 150 animal care specialists, groundkeepers, technicians, painters, craftworkers, welders, custodians, patrol officers, and mechanics, and nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
CONTACT: Caleen Carter-Patton, (847) 696-7500
Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Category: Union News
