Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Teamsters Local 727 reach agreement on new contract, ending three-day strike
Brookfield, IL — Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Teamsters Local 727 have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to the three-day strike involving a portion of the more than 200 union-represented employees in the Zoo’s grounds, custodial, and facilities teams.
Union members will soon vote to approve the agreement, and employees will return to work once the agreement is finalized.
The agreement covers employees in animal care, facilities, custodial and security roles and reflects a shared commitment to moving forward together in support of the Zoo’s mission.
“Today is an important and positive moment for Brookfield Zoo Chicago, and we are excited to welcome our team members back as we move forward together in our shared dedication to our people, the animals in our care, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Mike Adkesson, President and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. “This Zoo has always been powered by people who care deeply about one another and our mission, and this agreement reflects a commitment to continuing to provide exceptional care and educational experiences for our guests while supporting the long-term health and sustainability of the Zoo.”
The proposal includes a 20% wage increase over the course of the 4-year contract. As the Zoo promised throughout bargaining, the agreement will continue to ensure healthcare plans through increased contributions from the Zoo. The agreement also includes enhancements to staffing for the Zoo’s animal care and facilities teams, in addition to three positions already posted for hiring.
Zoo operations will continue as normal, and all animal care and guest services will proceed without interruption as employees return to work.
“We appreciate the dedication of our staff, the professionalism of the bargaining teams, and the patience and support of our guests and community during this time,” Adkesson said. “We are focused on continuing the important work of our mission and advancing our animal care, conservation, and education priorities.”
# # #
Contact: Kelsey Mauro, Associate Vice President of Communications, kelsey.mauro@brookfieldzoo.org
About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve.
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads.
