Dozens of Brookfield Zoo staffers strike after negotiations fail

Dozens of Brookfield Zoo Chicago union workers, pickets in hand, made their voices heard outside the main entrance on Monday — the first day of an authorized strike after failed contract negotiations.Several dozen grounds crew members and union representatives of the zoo, at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, were among those striking.Grasping a sign reading “We’re not lion about being understaffed” was Carrie Sapienza, a senior groundskeeper and equipment operator who has worked at the zoo for over three decades.”We have staff that worked here 25, 35, 45 years. We’re dedicated to these animals,” said Sapienza, who is also the chief union steward for Local 727. “This is not a job. It’s a career. We’ve invested our lives into this place. It’s a second home and we want to be recognized for that.” Members of the Chicago Zoological Society teamsters picket outside the south gate of the Brookfield Zoo at 3301 Golf Rd. in Riverside, Monday, May 4, 2026.Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times In a statement released Monday morning, zoo officials said they were “disappointed but anticipated” the strike and have plans in place to ensure operations continue.”While the Zoo continued bargaining in good faith as recently as Friday, we are disappointed that an agreement was not reached,” zoo officials said. “A strike is neither necessary nor inevitable, and our focus remains on reaching a fair and responsible contract—one that supports our employees while protecting the Zoo’s long-term sustainability and mission.”Later Monday, the zoo said animal care staff will return to work Tuesday…

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