TA at Woodland Park Zoo

Workers reach tentative agreement for new contract after preparing to strike

SEATTLE, WA (August 14, 2024) – The Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement on Monday with the Woodland Park Zoo over a new contract covering approximately 200 Zoo employees. The proposal is fully recommended by the Union’s negotiations committee and subject to ratification of the membership. Union members will have an opportunity to review and vote on the offer in the next few weeks.

Central issues for the Union in negotiations were providing affordable healthcare and equitable wages for its members and ensuring the long-term well-being of the animals.

Negotiations between the Coalition of Unions and the Zoo had been ongoing for the last ten months, with workers growing increasingly frustrated with what they viewed as the Zoo’s unwillingness to value and retain experienced staff. In early August, the workers began to make preparations to ensure the safety of the animals under their care if continued intransigence at the bargaining table forced the workers to strike.

Photo courtesy Teamsters 117

“I’m proud of the leadership and solidarity our Union coalition has shown throughout the bargaining process,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117.  “Union members at Woodland Park Zoo are at the heart of successful operations of one of Seattle’s marquee destinations for families. They approach their work in serving the public and caring for the animals with compassion and uncompromising dedication. We are excited to present this fully-recommended contract proposal to them for their consideration.”

The Joint Craft Council Coalition of Unions represents 34 classifications at the Zoo, including Animal Keepers, Warehousers, Veterinary Technicians, Painters, Carpenters, Laborers, and many others. Unions in the coalition are: Teamsters Local 117, IATSE Local 15, IBEW 46, LIUNA Laborers Local 242, Boilermakers Local 104, Western State Carpenters, Painters, District Council No. 5, IUOE Local 302, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 32.