Business

Brookfield Zoo Workers Strike Over Wages, Healthcare Costs

Staff at Brookfield Zoo Chicago hit the picket line Monday after members of Teamsters Local 727 and zoo management failed to come to terms over a new contract.

“While this is a disappointing announcement, the zoo anticipated this possibility and has comprehensive plans in place to ensure uninterrupted and continued operations,” zoo officials said in a statement. The zoo remains open for guests.

Negotiations between management and the union had been ongoing since February but broke down late last week when agreement couldn’t be reached on sticking points that included wages and health insurance costs.

Union members rejected an offer from the zoo that offered raises below 4%. 

“Management has also claimed that zoo employees are already fairly compensated, pointing to wage comparisons with states like Alabama and West Virginia. These comparisons ignore the reality of the Chicagoland area,” the union said in a statement, while also asserting that executive compensation at the zoo had increased significantly.

In a statement, the union also said the zoo’s final proposal “would eliminate the 100% employer-paid union health care,” a claim the zoo disputed.

“We are not taking away healthcare from our employees,” zoo officials said in a statement released Monday afternoon.

“The zoo does not administer or control the healthcare plan for Teamsters Local 727 employees. That plan is managed through the Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund, which covers employees across multiple employers. For decades, our role, like other contributing employers, has been to negotiate and provide contributions to that fund on behalf of our employees,” zoo officials said.

Striking workers include grounds, custodial and facilities employees but animal care professionals are currently on the job, according to a statement from the zoo.

“The care and wellbeing of our animals remain our highest priority,” the zoo said. “Animal care continues without interruption under the supervision of our experienced team, including veterinarians, curators and trained specialists.”

Union leaders told WGN-TV that animal care employees would be joining the strike once an essential care plan was finalized.

The zoo said it remains focused on “reaching a fair and responsible contract — one that supports our employees while protecting the zoo’s long-term sustainability and mission.”

Note: This article has been updated with additional comment from Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]

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