Walkout began May 11 over care of animals: Union
Negotiators for Local 1600 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reached a tentative agreement with the Toronto Zoo June 8.
The tentative agreement was reached early in the morning — following nearly 24 hours of continuous bargaining between the parties — assisted by a provincially appointed mediator, according to CUPE.
Members of CUPE 1600 went on strike on May 11 to defend contract language that assures quality care for the 5,000 animals that call the zoo home, while enabling the zoo to continue fulfilling its role as a world-leading research, conservation and educational facility, said the union.
Details of the tentative agreement will not be released by the union until members have had an opportunity to review and vote on it.
A special meeting and ratification vote are expected to be held over the weekend, according to the union.
CUPE 1600 represents more than 400 zookeepers, horticulturalists, trades people, administrative and public relations staff, and concession and ride operators at Canada’s largest zoo.
