As a reminder, the Union submitted a comprehensive information request to CZS one month before bargaining was scheduled to begin. Despite ample time to respond prior to negotiations, CZS did not respond or provide any documents until the night before the first bargaining session on February 20, 2026.
After reviewing the untimely materials, Local 727 discovered that the vast majority of the requested information was missing or incomplete. The Union has since issued a detailed follow up response outlining every outstanding item and requested additional documentation to support the Zoo’s claims regarding staffing levels made during the February 20th bargaining session.
The contract between Local 727 members and CZS expires on March 31, 2026, and only two bargaining sessions remain on the calendar before that deadline. Additionally, the Union is still waiting for CZS to respond to an offer of resolution for a pending arbitration – a resolution that would free up additional bargaining dates. As of the date of this update, CZS has not responded to the Union’s most recent offer, which was submitted more than a week ago.
We will update members if additional bargaining dates are scheduled.
“While I am not surprised that we have to fight for information from the Zoo, as that has unfortunately become the norm, it does frustrate the bargaining process,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “With only two dates on the books and offers of resolution going unresponded to, the Zoo is continuing to signal they aren’t serious about reaching a deal.”
Members with questions regarding the union contract or negotiations, please reach out to Business Agent Sean McGough at [email protected] or (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.