Overview
- More than 100 Teamsters Local 727 members at Brookfield Zoo Chicago walked off the job Monday after negotiations ended Friday without a deal.
- Union leaders say they filed nearly a dozen unfair labor practice charges and argue the zoo’s latest offer would drop current health plans without a comparable replacement.
- Animal care specialists remain on duty under an essential care approach, with the union saying they plan to join the strike once a formal care plan is set.
- The zoo says it is open with normal daily operations and that animal care remains uninterrupted as a top priority.
- The union warns many animals may be off exhibit, dolphin shows paused, and no custodial or maintenance staff on site, and it urges the public not to visit as talks continue.