Politics
Cook County Forest Preserve Teamsters End Strike, Ratify New Contract
Local 700 employees on the picket line, Aug. 27, 2026. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
Members of Teamsters Local 700 and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County have come to terms on a contract extension, ending a 16-day strike by approximately 230 employees.
“This agreement makes significant gains on wages and working conditions, and we will now move forward at the Forest Preserves,” Local 700 President Ramon Williams said in a statement.
The ratified agreement includes higher wages, better scheduling procedures, improved paid lunch and overtime pay, among other stipulations, according to the union.
Forest preserve officials confirmed the extension included a succession of raises; one-time payments for full-time and seasonal employees; paid lunch and breaks; and changes for overtime pay rules, scheduling notification, shift assignment choices and reduction of weekend work.
Local 700 members work in landscape maintenance, resource management, conservation and experiential programming, and fleet and facilities departments. Members authorized a strike on July 31 and walked out on Aug. 17.
“This agreement addresses issues raised by Local 700 while allowing the Forest Preserves to remain on a sustainable fiscal path. We are eager to have all our dedicated employees together again to meet our shared mission,” Adam Bianchi, general superintendent of the forest preserve district, said in a statement.
While the preserves remained open during the strike, a number of volunteers paused stewardship activities in a show of support for workers.
The Local 700 employees are expected to return to work Thursday.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
