In what could have escalated into a public showdown at the Woodland Park Zoo, the specter of a strike was effectively neutralized as workers reached a provisional detente with the zoo's management. According to FOX 13 Seattle, the Teamsters Local Union 117, which represents a coalition of 200 zoo workers, managed to hammer out the early blueprints of a deal mere hours before a picket was scheduled to unfurl its banners at the zoo's gates.
The terms of the tentative accord have not been made public, however, the zoo has openly commended the negotiation process. In a statement obtained by FOX 13 Seattle, zoo leaders expressed their contentment, noting, "pleased that all parties have developed what we believe is a fair contract that reflects our shared values of fair wages and healthcare benefits for all zoo staff…we are grateful to our zoo staff who inspire and empower our conservation mission every day.." The optimism is a marked change from previous tensions, which hinted at serious internal strife and a potential shutdown.
Preceding the successful negotiations, alarm bells had been ringing with union members painting a grim picture of the working conditions. MYNorthwest reported that animal keeper Allison Cloud lamented the industrial climate, stating, "We are hemorrhaging critical animal care experience which directly affects the standard of care we can provide for our animals."
