The current collective bargaining agreement with the Brookfield Zoo expires on March 31, 2026. The parties have met one time and have only two more meetings scheduled before the CBA is set to expire. Despite Teamsters Local 727 sending an arbitration settlement that would free up multiple days for bargaining, the Zoo management committee has not accepted it. In fact, the Brookfield Zoo continues to act in bad faith, remains unresponsive, and continues to send the message that they have no interest in reaching an agreement.
As March 31st approaches, members should expect that Zoo management will try to talk to members about negotiations and a potential unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. In the past, the weapon they have always used is ‘what will happen to the animals?’ First, for the practical, let’s answer that question: Since the CBA will be expired, the provisions applicable to this will no longer apply. However, the Union is and has always been dedicated to the safety and welfare of the animals.
The previous agreement provides that management will inform the Union of the minimum number of employees needed to maintain the health and safety of the animals. The Union will work with bargaining unit leads in each work group to assess the reasonableness of management’s request. Leads would then assign members in a rotation to ensure that the animals are provided for. In the chance of a ULP strike, Teamsters Local 727 members would ensure the safety and well-being of the animals at the Brookfield Zoo, as they always have.
However, that is a question for management: what will happen to the animals? Not only does the Brookfield Zoo have control if there is a work stoppage or not by coming to the table to bargain in good faith for a fair and equitable contract that their hard-working Teamsters deserve, but many members are currently reporting a staffing shortage that is unsafe for members and animals alike. As it is among the top demands of the membership, the Union has made a proposal concerning staffing. The Zoo has rejected the proposal and has remained wholly uninterested in having any sort of conversation about staffing.
“As we reach March 31st, please do not let Zoo management use your value system and character against you,” said John Coli, Jr., Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer. “They want to make you feel guilty so you won’t act in your own best interest. The Zoo doesn’t think about the animals when they try to hire subcontractors for half a million dollars a year while simultaneously saying there is a hiring freeze. For too many years, Teamsters at the Zoo have made far less than their peers in other industries because of their love for the Brookfield Zoo and the animals there. Instead of exploiting that, Zoo management should realize that if members are finally fed up, it’s time to do the right thing. The Zoo needs to come to the table and bargain in good faith to reach an agreement that honors, respects, and awards their workers. When management asks about the animals, please turn that question around on them.”
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.