News Release

 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org                                                                        
April 21, 2016
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 

Chicago Zoological Society and Teamsters Local 727 Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

 
Brookfield, Ill.—Today April 21, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, and Teamsters Local 727, who represents the Society’s union employees, reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year labor contract. The contract affects 216 current employees, including zookeepers, groundskeepers, craftsmen, janitorial staff, and police officers. The labor agreement was set to expire December 31, 2015, but was extended by mutual agreement. Teamsters Local 727 leadership will present the new contract to its members with a recommendation for ratification.  A vote will be scheduled shortly.

“We are very pleased that we were able to reach agreement and hope the union members will vote in favor of the new contract.  Both sides made significant movement in their positions and worked hard in an effort to reach middle ground,” said Sandi Dornhecker, vice president of human resources for the Society. “We look forward to continuing to work together with all our staff to serve our guests and provide them with enjoyable, engaging experiences at Brookfield Zoo.”