Walt Disney World unions have been in negotiations with the company for nearly a year over wage agreements. In a report form WFTV ABC 9, Disney is apparently offering to pay union members at least $15 an hour by 2021. Watch the full report below:
What’s happening:
- For almost an entire year, the Labor Unions at Walt Disney World have been in negotiations with the company regarding pay. Unions are demanding a $15 an hour minimum wage for all Union members.
- According to a report from ABC 9, Disney is offering to meet the hourly demand within the next three years, however they want to re-negotiate other contract terms such as overtime pay.
What members of the Walt Disney World Unions are saying:
- Angie McKinnon of Unite Here Local 737 on the new proposal from Disney—”The company has given us a proposal. They’ve given an offer today. Our bargaining committee is reviewing it. At this time, we have no further comment.”
- Walt Disney World bus driver, Bob Harris on Disney agreeing to the minimum wage demand—”It’s on the table, but we have to give certain things back to the company to enable us to get that money.”
- Shawn Britton of Teamsters Local 385 on raising the minimum wage— “The tax breaks are permanent. The company now knows the tax structure, the tax liability they have into the future. There’s no reason why they cannot offer a really good raise.”
More Disney Union news:
- In January, it was reported that Disney would be giving many of its non-executive employees a $1,000 bonus while also increasing their education reimbursement program. However other reports claimed Disney was withholding bonuses from Unionized workers until the contract was ratified.
- In December, the largest Union at Walt Disney World—Service Trades Council Union—rejected Disney’s contract offer.
- Walt Disney World is not the only section of the company that’s facing challenges when it comes to wage increases and living wage demands. Disneyland has encountered backlash among the Anaheim Unions as reports claim many Cast Members can’t afford to pay rent, bills, or for groceries. Some reports claim that Cast Members are living in their cars.