Brookfield Zoo Chicago workers strike over pay and benefits

More than 100 union-represented workers at Brookfield Zoo Chicago began a strike on May 4 after contract talks broke down over wages and health coverage.

Teamsters Local 727 said the walkout is an unfair labor practice strike involving more than 100 members. The union said the dispute centers on wages, staffing and healthcare terms.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago said a portion of its union-represented employees initiated a strike, but that the zoo remains open to the public and animal care is continuing. The zoo also said it is not taking away healthcare from employees.

The union and zoo have also traded sharply different descriptions of the contract offer. The Teamsters say the zoo's proposal fell short on healthcare and pay, while the zoo says its offer includes a 14.5% wage increase over four years and continued contributions to the Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund.

The strike began after the union authorized action last week. Officials have not said how quickly negotiations could resume or whether additional workers may join the picket line.

For now, the immediate impact appears limited to labor disruption, but the dispute is now public and may intensify if talks do not move forward soon.