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BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO TERMINATES 33-YEAR TEAMSTER WITHOUT JUST CAUSE

On May 13, 2025, the Brookfield Zoo Chicago ended the employment of Carrie Sapienza, who had dedicated 33 years to the zoo and held a leadership role within her union.
The Zoo cited conduct, insubordination, and disobedience related to Carrie allegedly overstepping authority during tram car removal, but it conducted no investigation.
Teamsters Local 727, which represents close to 10,000 workers in the Chicago area, has formally challenged the termination by submitting a grievance and lodging complaints alleging unfair labor practices, asserting that the firing was unjust and part of a targeted campaign against a prominent union steward.
Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer John Coli, Jr. asserted that, despite the zoo’s accusations—which Carrie strongly rejects—her actions do not warrant termination.
The union is encouraging the public to support Carrie's return by signing a digital petition advocating for her reinstatement as a respected member and steward of the Zoo community.

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