The Toronto Zoo is facing some labour troubles as it prepares to open its giant panda exhibit next month.

The union representing more than 400 zoo staff is warning of a lockout after the zoo’s management requested a ”no board” report from the Ministry of Labour last week.

Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1600 president Christine McKenzie says the union is ”troubled and mystified” by the zoo’s decision.

Under Ontario labour law, once the ”no board” report is issued, either party can trigger a work stoppage 17 days later, which means the zoo will be in a legal lockout position April 26.

The exhibit featuring two giant pandas on loan from China is to open May 18th.