More than 100 Brookfield Zoo Chicago workers go on strike; some exhibits closed
By John Garcia and Stephanie Wade
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BROOKFIELD, Illinois (WLS) — A group of zoo workers walked off the job Monday morning in Brookfield. They include grounds, custodial and facilities employees.
About 100 Teamsters members at the Brookfield Zoo are now on strike for unfair labor practices, they said. They’re seeking higher pay, better staffing guarantees and healthcare.
They say they’ve been bargaining for a new contract since February.
After unsuccessful negotiations, the current contract extension expired Friday.
Union members, aside from animal care specialists, walked out at 5 a.m.
“The biggest one is staffing,” Local 727 President Caleen Carter-Patton said. “Animal care specialists, they’ve been saying for years that already there’s a staffing shortage. The zoo has offered positions in their offer, but there’s no guarantee. The second biggest issue would be union healthcare. These members have 100% employer-paid 90-10 coverage union health insurance, and the zoo’s last and best final offer effectively takes that away because they’re not willing to pay what it costs.”
Local 727 said it’s filed nearly a dozen different unfair labor practice charges against the zoo with the National Labor Relations Board.
Although the zoo is open Monday, picketers say they’re urging the public not to visit to support their strike.
“Everyone who cleans the bathrooms, keeps the grass green, who maintains everything, they’re also out on strike,” Carter-Patton said. “So the world class institution these members have created, you’re not going to see that right now. And I really wish they would close to the public during this time.”
The zoo maintains it is open Monday with normal daily operations.
Inside the zoo, visitors said a couple of attractions, including the dolphin show and the carousel, were closed. But otherwise, it seems pretty normal.
“I saw the strikers. I didn’t realize they were for the zoo at first until we got rushed through. They had a cop waving everyone through, had no idea it was a strike for the zoo,” visitor Mike Craglow said.
A union supporter was heard honking while leaving the zoo Monday.
“Everything’s going up. Gas is going up; rent is going up. They’re asking for a fair increase. That is the same as all the other things going up,” Carter-Patton said.
Union leaders and zoo officials both say caring for the animals is a top priority.
Both sides are hoping to get back to the negotiating table to come to an agreement soon.
Brookfield Zoo shared a statement saying, “We continue discussions with Teamsters Local 727 leadership and are working hard to ensure that our animal care continuity plans are upheld in accordance with contractual obligations. Our focus is clear: protecting the wellbeing of our animals while continuing to move toward a responsible agreement.
“As required by USDA regulations, the Zoo maintains contingency plans at all times to address a variety of situations. We update the plan as the need arises, and have done so in light of today’s events. Animal care is always required and necessary. We have repeatedly provided this information to the union, including the contingency plan and the needs for continuity of animal care at this time.
“As of this afternoon regarding immediate next steps related to animal care planning, the union has informed us that animal care staff who are scheduled to work will report at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow and will continue to provide the appropriate care necessary for the animals. Conversations with the union regarding ongoing planning and expectations will continue tomorrow.
“The Teamsters Local 727 has gone on strike. We have bargained and will continue to bargain in good faith. We will continue to be transparent and honest in our communications and correct false information. For example, they continue to falsely state that we are taking health care away from our employees. Nothing is further from the truth. We have repeatedly stated our commitment to provide health care, and we have offered fair and reasonable pay and benefits.”
Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli Jr. said in a statement, “It’s clear that Brookfield Zoo management is trying to slow roll discussions to reach an agreement on a plan for the animal care specialists to provide essential care to the animals in a blatant attempt to interfere with these members’ lawful right to strike. While we work to make a plan for the animals to be cared for, our other Teamsters Local 727 Zoo members will hold down the strike line. We urge the public not to visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Not only are we asking for support for our lawful unfair labor practice strike, but I don’t think It’s going to be the guest experience we’re all used to.”
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