Brookfield Zoo Obstructs Animal Care — Teamsters Local 727 Files Injunction
Early this morning, Teamsters Local 727, through its outside counsel, Dowd, Bloch, Bennett, Cervone, Auerbach & Yokich, LLP, filed an emergency complaint in federal court seeking injunctive relief against the Chicago Zoological Society, doing business as Brookfield Zoo Chicago ('CZS' or 'Zoo'). Teamsters Local 727 represents approximately 200 Zoo employees, including animal care specialists. The Union and CZS have been engaged in negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement since February 2026 but have been unable to reach an agreement.
As a result of numerous unfair labor practice charges filed against CZS, hundreds of Teamsters employed by the Zoo went on strike at 5:00 a.m. on May 4. Despite the ongoing unfair labor practice strike, the Union continued to meet with Zoo management pursuant to provisions of the parties' collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that govern the provision of essential animal care during a work stoppage.
In its federal court filing, the Union alleges that CZS failed to meet its contractual obligations under these essential care provisions. Among the most serious allegations, the complaint asserts that CZS deactivated the electronic accounts and databases of animal care specialists — systems they rely on to access and record critical information such as veterinary appointments, prescription renewals, and animal health monitoring tools used to quickly identify and address illness.
The Union has asked the court to intervene and grant a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and permanent injunction prohibiting further breach of these essential care provisions.
"Brookfield Zoo management should be ashamed of their petty behavior in locking employees out of vital electronic systems that are used to keep animals safe and properly cared for," said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. "Their outright refusal to honor their clear legal obligations has a direct and undeniable impact on these workers' federally protected right to strike and the welfare of animals. The Zoo had months to plan for this possibility and chose instead to do nothing. Neither the animals nor the bargaining unit should suffer because of CZS's lack of preparation for a work stoppage of its own making."
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Nothing in this statement should be read as the union's waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.
Media Contact: Caleen Carter-Patton, (847) 696-7500