Tensions Erupt: The Cycle of Toxic and Abusive Retaliation by the Chicago Zoological Society Continues
If it wasn’t clear by now, a battle has been brewing behind the scenes at the Chicago Zoological Society (“CSZ” or “the Zoo”). Most recently, the Zoo sent out a publication to the Teamsters Local 727 bargaining unit as part of its campaign to silence, intimidate, and retaliate against its bargaining unit employees and the Union.
“First, I want to thank the bargaining unit employees for forwarding the communication to the Union and recognize the continued solidarity we are seeing from this bargaining unit,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “Second, I want to set the record straight and very firmly and publicly condemn the Zoo for its continued retaliation, intentional ignorance, and lack of accountability for its recent contractual violations.”
While the Zoo omitted many key details regarding its recent use of non-bargaining unit employees, one of those included the fact that the Union vehemently opposed the actions by the Zoo and demanded adherence to law and the CBA. In fact, the Union is still awaiting information and a written proposal from the Zoo that addresses the issues raised by the Union – all of which is consistent with the CBA. What’s even more troubling is that this appears to be a continued pattern of lies and retaliation by the Zoo. Numerous Unfair Labor Practice Charges (ULPs) have been filed to date which are still pending with Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board.
“Rather than sending misleading messages to our members, the Zoo should be spending its time addressing the issues we raised in writing. We will not stand idly by while the Zoo attempts to coerce, harass, threaten, and retaliate against membership. Communications like the one recently sent by the Zoo will not be tolerated,” added Coli. “I want to encourage our members to continue to show their solidarity by speaking up about contract violations, safety concerns, and retaliation. The Zoo has made it clear that we are in for a fight and Teamsters Local 727 never backs down from a bully!”
The Union filed another ULP today as a result of the Zoo’s recent actions and will continue to demand change from the Zoo.
Members with questions or concerns should reach out to Business Agent Sean McGough at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].
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
