Zoo Solidarity, a grassroots coalition of union workers organizing around the contract issue, says the workers' patience is running out. According to recently distributed materials, the current proposal from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) includes raises that fall short of what workers need to keep up with the rising cost of living in San Diego.
After overwhelmingly rejecting a contract offer in April, some "rank and file" members are now discussing a strike authorization vote, with a Strike Threat FAQ now hanging in the employee break room at the zoo. The failed contract vote - reportedly rejected by more than 75% of participating union members - has left the current terms of employment in place while workers and management prepare for another round of negotiations.
The rejection signals widespread dissatisfaction among employees, many of whom have criticized both the zoo's executive leadership and the union’s negotiating tactics. The breakdown also paves the way for a potential strike authorization vote, which union representatives say would not trigger an automatic strike, but rather empower them to initiate one if deemed necessary.
"The likelihood of a strike becomes more probably the longer the Zoo drags out negotiations and refuses to meet our demands," reads the Zoo Solidarity Strike Threat FAQ Document. "In most union negotiations, a strike is a tool utilized by the membership as a last resort. Since we have already rejected their first proposal, a strike becomes our next best option assuming their second offer also falls short of our demands. The best way to avoid a strike and to win a fair contract is to show management that we are united and ready to take action together."
According to materials distributed by the Zoo Solidarity group, the key unresolved issues include wages that have failed to keep pace with San Diego's cost of living, frozen pensions, and dissatisfaction with proposed health care and wage increases that max out at 3% annually by 2028. Workers allege that SDZWA executives are stalling negotiations and refusing to meet reasonable demands, even as executive salaries soar. Recently departed CEO Paul Baribault earned nearly $1.86 million in 2023, which is believed to have risen to over $2 million in 2024 - more than triple the salary of most frontline staff combined.
The strike FAQ circulated by Zoo Solidarity outlines that while employees are prepared to strike, their goal is to avoid one through a strong show of unity. Workers argue that their call for livable wages is justified, pointing to the essential roles they play in caring for animals, maintaining public-facing facilities, and ensuring guest safety across both the Zoo and Safari Park. Many report working multiple jobs, relying on public assistance, and living with several roommates just to afford rent in one of the most expensive cities in the country.
The Zoo Solidarity campaign has outlined what workers could expect if a strike occurs. According to the group, strike benefits would begin immediately and are funded by the International Teamsters Union, which maintains a $350 million strike fund. Eligible workers would receive $1,000 per week, and health insurance would continue for up to 30 days.
The Zoo Solidarity campaign has outlined what workers could expect if a strike occurs. According to the group, strike benefits would begin immediately and are funded by the International Teamsters Union, which maintains a $350 million strike fund. Eligible workers would receive $1,000 per week, and health insurance would continue for up to 30 days.
The movement comes during a period of instability at SDZWA. Baribault stepped down in March without explanation, followed by Safari Park Executive Director Lisa Peterson in April. The organization is now under interim leadership as union negotiations continue with the next contract vote expected to take place later this month.
As the SDZWA faces public scrutiny, a Change.org petition urging the Zoo to pay a livable wage has gained support with nearly 5,000 signatures, and employees have taken to online forums to voice frustration over both union leadership and zoo executives. Allegations of out-of-touch union strategies, management intimidation, and suppression of dissent have only deepened the divide. Meanwhile, internal zoo events like the annual "Onward" celebration were abruptly canceled, further fueling speculation that leadership is seeking to avoid worker unrest in high-visibility settings.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has not responded to multiple requests for comment but has previously stated that its contract offer would raise wages by 23% over four years and that it remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement. In public statements, SDZWA has emphasized its appreciation for staff dedication and highlighted its global conservation mission.
As the Zoo prepares for a busy summer, staff unrest threatens to cast a shadow over SDZWA’s global reputation. For now, workers remain on the job, but the strike threat looms large. If negotiations don’t progress soon, the San Diego Zoo could face a summer overshadowed by picket lines rather than panda exhibits.
Originally published on May 5, 2025.
