Toronto Zoo reaches tentative agreement with workers’ union

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Toronto Zoo and the union representing its workers.

CUPE Local 1600 says the deal was reached early Thursday morning after nearly 24 hours of continuous bargaining between the union and the Toronto Zoo. A provincially-appointed mediator was brought in to assist with the negotiations.

More than 400 workers, including zookeepers, horticulturalists, trades people, administrative and public relations staff, and concession and ride operators, went on strike on May 11 after the union and zoo officials failed to reach an agreement.

During the strike, the animals at the zoo were taken care by management staff, many of whom were former keepers.

The zoo has been closed since workers walked off the job and it is still unknown when it will reopen.