CHICAGO – Teamsters Local 727 represents a broad range of nearly 200 hardworking members at the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the Brookfield Zoo Chicago (the Zoo), including animal care specialists, craftworkers, custodians, groundskeepers, patrol officers, maintenance workers, aides, and seasonal staff.
In just two days on the line, the strength of Local 727’s action was unmistakable: not one member crossed the picket line and 14 different ULP charges were pending against the Zoo. Alongside the strike, Local 727 escalated its fight for fairness in federal court, filing a federal injunction early yesterday morning to hold the Zoo accountable.
Steadfast and united in their right to strike, animal care specialists made their own plans to provide essential care and were prepared to join their brothers and sisters on the ULP strike line this morning. After two powerful days on strike – and with animal care ready to join the line – Teamsters Local 727 and the Chicago Zoological Society reached an agreement this morning on the terms of a tentative successor contract.
“While it is unfortunate that it took a ULP strike and injunction to get the Zoo to see reason, today’s tentative agreement is a major win for our members,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “The terms provide additional staffing, wage increases totaling 20% over the life of the contract, continuation of the 100% employer paid union healthcare, and more.”
Animal care specialists returned to work today and have resumed their regular schedules, ensuring continuity of care for the animals. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing between the Zoo and Local 727 to finalize return-to-work arrangements for the remaining bargaining unit employees.
“This outcome reflects the strength, unity, and determination of our members, and it shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “I am inspired by the members for taking decisive action, standing strong and fighting for the dignity and respect they deserve,” added Coli.
“I would also like to thank the public for its support during this time and to all the fellow animal care professionals from around the country for their messages of support throughout this historic strike.”
Details of the tentative agreement will be shared with union members in the coming days at a ratification vote on the agreement.
Teamsters Local 727 represents 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.
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CONTACT: Caleen Carter-Patton
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.