Brookfield Zoo Workers in Chicago Fight for Fair Pay—and Animal Safety

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Andy Ferris, a longtime animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo and a member of the Teamsters 727 bargaining committee, about an ongoing labor dispute that could lead to a strike. Andy shares what’s happening behind the scenes as workers negotiate with the Chicago Zoological Society over staffing levels, safety concerns, wages, and health care. Despite decades of service, many workers are being asked to accept minimal raises while facing rising costs—and potential cuts to long-standing health benefits. For example, workers were offered less than 4% raises, while the CEO's compensation increased by over 70%! The conversation also addresses one of the public’s biggest concerns: the well-being of the animals. Andy explains how workers have contingency plans in place to ensure animals are cared for, while also raising concerns about existing staffing shortages that could already be impacting safety. Finally, the discussion pushes back on claims from management that higher wages would drive up ticket prices, highlighting broader questions about priorities, cost of living, and how institutions value the people who keep them running. It’s a candid look at a high-stakes labor fight—one that impacts workers, families, and the animals they care for every day. For more than 100 years, Teamsters Local 727 has represented the hardworking men and women of the Greater Chicago area. They currently represent nearly 10,000 members across a multitude of industries, from bus drivers to trade show workers, pharmacists to zookeepers, funeral directors to parking industry workers. Their top priority is serving the needs of their members, and they firmly believe that a united union is a strong union. Their website is www.TeamstersLocal727.org and their handle on X is @Teamsters727.