WERRIBEE Open Range Zoo keepers, horticulturalists and maintenance staff have reached an in-principle agreement to settle their pay dispute.
Zoos Victoria chief executive officer John Wills said the deal covered staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and the Melbourne Zoo.
"The public can be assured that we will continue to maintain the highest standards in animal welfare, staffing and our programs across all three properties,'' he said.
The new three-year agreement includes a pay rise of 4percent in the first year, 4.2percent in the second year and 4.4per cent in the third year, as well as an increase in allowances and a one-off bonus of $1000 on average. This brings the average pay for most staff under the agreement to $52,000 a year.
The deal follows protests by zoo workers outside Melbourne Zoo condemning Zoos Victoria's initial offer as "peanuts''.
Annual salaries among these staff average about $41,000 - 30percent below the average weekly wage.
Liquor, Hospitality and Tourism Union state secretary Jess Walsh said the deal would be put to zoo staff soon.