A recent Oregonian article highlighted issues between union members at the Oregon Zoo in Portland and (relatively) new zoo director Kim Smith. The article focused on the relationship between Smith and Laborers Local 483, which represents mostly zookeepers and such at the facility. Additionally, Oregon AFSCME Local 3580 represents another 40 employees at the zoo, which is run by the Metro regional government.

 

Which begs the question: Is Local 3580 having the same level of issues as the Laborers?

 

"I'd say no, at least not so right now," says Local 3580 President Matt Tracy, who notes he works elsewhere for Metro, not at the zoo.

 

In the article, Smith acknowledged a transition to stricter policies and more disciplined management and fiscal practices — a mandate, she says, from Metro when she became the zoo's director in 2010. Tracy agrees with Smith that the transition has been difficult for many employees — more so, he says, for the keepers.

 

"It's a culture change up there," said Tracy. "For whatever reason, it's been harder for the zookeepers than for our staff, which is primarily office support people and other 'white collar' positions. Certainly, we've had some bumpy spots, but mostly it's been a communication issue. And while we support our union brothers and sisters in the Laborers, to be fair I have to say we haven't experienced problems at the same level they have."

 

Tracy said a planned hour-long lunch meeting between Smith and Local 3580 members recently extended to 75 minutes. Tracy said the union articulated to Smith that her vision for the zoo had not been translated well to line staff. Members asked direct questions, he said, and generally were satisfied with the answers they received.

 

"Mostly, people were concerned about disruption around them, and people they've known a long time leaving," he said, referencing the 25 percent overall employee turnover at the zoo since Smith took the reins. "But again, to be balanced, there's sort of a dysfunctional history there, and we acknowledge that Kim has a difficult job. She's gotten rid of some managers, too, that needed to go."

 

Tracy said Local 3580 remains vigilant and keeps a wary eye on zoo happenings. Council 75 Staff Representative Jaimie Sorenson echoes Tracy, saying "things are OK for us right now, but there are some issues we're following closely. We very much want to work together and see the zoo succeed."