As has become routine following bargaining sessions with the Chicago Zoological Society, management sent out a message to bargaining unit employees attempting to summarize negotiations – once again written by Dr. Mike, who was not present for the bargaining session.
Unfortunately, that message once again left out critical context and key facts that members deserve to know. At yesterday’s bargaining session, Teamsters Local 727 presented compensation data drawn directly from the Zoo’s publicly available IRS Form 990 filings. These documents cover the term of the current contract, from 2022 to the present, and they tell an interesting story.
During that period:
- Dr. Mike received a 73% increase to his base salary.
- In 2025 alone, the Zoo spent over $1.5 million in base compensation on just four members of zoo leadership – three of whom are currently participating in negotiations.
- At the same time, management is proposing wage increases for bargaining unit employees that average less than 3.5% a year over the life of the contract.
These figures were presented openly at the bargaining table. None were disputed by the Zoo.
The Union raised these facts to highlight the growing disconnect between management’s stated appreciation for employees and the actual economic proposals being put forward in negotiations. That discussion was direct, and at times heated – not because the information was inaccurate, but because it underscored the reality their Teamster members are facing. Additionally, the Union bargaining committee made sure to point out that Dr. Mike’s last misleading and false bargaining update stated that the new positions the Zoo is offering are worth over 2 million dollars. However, the Zoo refuses to put guarantees on any of those positions for the life of the contract. When the Union bargaining committee pressed management to agree to a guarantee on the number of positions, so that Dr. Mike’s math would actually be accurate, the Zoo refused and responded that there might not be a need for those positions and they need the flexibility to eliminate them.
In response, the Union again requested that bargaining sessions be livestreamed, so members could see and hear the negotiations firsthand and judge for themselves how their labor is being valued. Management once again refused, stating – among other reasons – that they would feel constrained in what they could say if others were present. Members should draw their own conclusions from that refusal.
This is yet another reminder that when Dr. Mike writes in an email that he “values the work you do every day” and that your “knowledge, skill, and dedication are essential,” those statements must be measured against its actions – not words. To date, nothing in management’s bargaining proposals reflects the value they claim employees bring to this institution.
Teamsters Local 727 remains committed to transparency, fairness, and securing a contract that reflects your real contribution to the Zoo’s success. We will continue to bring the facts forward, hold management accountable, and keep you informed.
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.