Brookfield Zoo, workers reach contract agreement to end strike
Source: Chicago Business
By Crain's Staff
May 06, 2026 12:59 PM CDT
Brookfield Zoo Chicago and 200 unionized workers have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a three-day strike.
The deal still requires ratification by the Teamsters Local 727 members, after which employees are expected to return to work.
The agreement covers staff across animal care, facilities, custodial and security roles and includes a 20% wage increase over the life of the contract, along with continued healthcare coverage supported by increased zoo contributions. It also calls for additional staffing in animal care and facilities, building on positions already being filled.
More than 100 workers went on strike on May 4 after negotiations stalled as the previous agreement expired at the end of last week.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago (Google)
Read more: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/ccb-brookfield-zoo-workers-contract-agreement-20260506/