Teamsters Local 117 represents approximately 65 Zookeepers, Warehousers, and Veterinary Technicians at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. 

Congratulations to our members at the Woodland Park Zoo on their new contract! 

Members voted to ratify the agreement yesterday. The vote was unanimous - 100% voted in favor of approving the proposal.

The agreement includes wage increases in each year of the contract and eliminates a controversial merit pay system. 

"Our members at the zoo do essential work that benefits all of us," said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. "They care for the animals, teach conservation and ecology, and help bring joy to the over 1 million visitors to the zoo each year. They deserve a contract that reflects the valuable contributions they make to our community."  

Shop Steward Peter Miller was inspired by the vote:

"Everything I learned in shop steward training paid off: listening, hearing, organizing, surveying, sharing and supporting. But most of all believing. Believing that if you really want to make changes, it can happen. Your union is not only that negotiator and business rep and shop steward. It is you and in what you believe to be how you want the terms and conditions of your employment to be. "