Teamsters Local 856 members employed as zoo keepers at the San Francisco Zoo are speaking out about faulty safety procedures and systems at the facility. The zoo has a “code red” alert system, but has removed the ability for workers to access the button-operated system unless they are standing near where it is mounted on the wall. The safety system was put in place after a tiger mauled an employee and killed a zoo visitor. But, reports show that tests of the system have failed multiple times.

Wes Haug, a 14-year employee, and other Teamster members working at the Zoo, were recently interviewed about the safety conditions. Haug said that he wonders everyday, “Are we safe or could we be safer?.”

The local union issued a statement which said, in part, “This Monday is Workers’ Memorial Day, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made ill by their work. It is a chance to show our gratitude to the Zoo employees and to safety whistleblowers everywhere. We are safer because of their bravery.” 

Read the full article here.

 

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