Congratulations To Our San Antonio Zoo Members On Their Successful Ratification Of Their Improved Union Contract!!
UFCW Local 455 and San Antonio Zoological Society reached an agreement for all bargaining unit employees. Here are some of the benefit improvements included in the new contract:
- Improvement in the nondiscrimination language which includes new protections for workers.
- New language that reduces the amount of time the employer can hold a disciplinary “record infraction” against an employee.
- Maintenance, Horticulture, and Animal Care will now be provided with Leatherman tools, instead of purchasing their own.
- Maintenance, Horticulture, and Animal Care will receive annual reimbursement for the purchase of utility belts.
- An annual shoe allowance increases of $200 for full-timers, $100 for part-timers for Maintenance & Animal Care and $80 for other part-timers.
- Increased retirement percentage matched by the Zoo for the workers retirement plan; effective October 1, 2024.
- Introduced an hourly premium for zoo workers that are pest control certified.
- Juneteenth will be added as a new holiday for full-time workers.
- Bargained language to improve workers uniforms options, language that provides part-time workers with jackets after 6-months employment and gives workers the option to purchase “fishing type” shirts at the Zoo’s cost.
- Bargained new language for full time zoo employees to be able to continue their education so they will be reimbursed for educational expenses that could help them learn more in their field of work.
- A ratification bonus was paid out to all Full-time and Part-time workers.
- Bargained a new periodic or annual bonus for Full-time and Part-time workers, which is payable on or about their next period following May 1, 2025, May 1, 2026, and May 1, 2027.
- Part-timers will now be eligible for holiday premiums after 1 year of service.
- Paid time off accruals improved; accruals will now commence after 90 days of service.
The expiration of this agreement is on May 1, 2028.
Thanks to all of our hard-working members who supported the Union and their efforts in helping to secure this contract!
