About 250 members of Local 1501 at the New York Zoological Society recently received more than $270,000 in retroactive money for unpaid increases going back in some cases to April, 2000.

The Wildlife Conservation Society that operates the city’s zoos had omitted the raises when they were due, but when the union investigated and pointed out the discrepancy, management agreed to make the required payments.

In addition to varying amounts of back pay, some members were owed salary increases and increments.

Anthony Bigone, the president of Local 1501, thanked DC 37 for pursuing the matter. “These increases would not have been provided if we didn’t have a union that fights hard for its members,” he said.

Mr. Bigone explained that with the help of DC 37’s White Collar Division and Research and Negotiations Dept., the local had been able to make a compelling case for the overdue back pay and raises.

The retroactive money went to Zookeepers, Attendants, Maintainers, Asst. Maintainers and Motor Vehicle Operators.

Margaret Chopak and Vanessa Jones are two of the Zookeepers currently looking after the newborn baby gorillas at the Bronx Zoo. “I feel so good to be part of such a pro-active union,” said Ms. Chopak.

Ms. Jones said, “A job like this seems so great that some people might do it for nothing. That’s why workers like us really need a union. We love animals and we get so caught up in our jobs that we need the union to watch after us and secure our rights.”

William Castro Jr., Assistant Maintainer, received $3,800 in back pay. “Without the union’s help, I would have never caught the mistake on my own. I’d like to thank everyone involved, especially President Bigone,” he said.