Today, Walt Disney World announced that union workers had voted to approve a new contract that will see wages rise to $15 in 2021.
- Cast Members “overwhelmingly”
ratified a five-year contract according to a Walt Disney World press release. - The new agreement will increase starting pay for more than 37,000 Cast Members in various roles coverd by the Service Trades Council Union.
- The first pay increase will take effect in December when pay for non-tipped roles will increase to $11 an hour.
- Subsequent raises will bring pay to $12 an hour in March 2019, $13 and hour in September 2019, $14 an hour in October 2020, and $15 an hour in October 2021.
- Eligible Cast will also receive retroactive pay of 50¢ an hour or 3% (whichever is greater) dating back to September 24th, 2017.
- They will also receive their one-time, $1,000 bonuses, which were initially announced in January after the passing of the GOP-backed tax bill.
- Notably, this agreement follows the passage of another union contract on the other coast as Disneyland Resort Cast Members ratified a contract that will raise wages to $15 next year.
What they’re saying
- George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort: “Our 50 percent wage increase will have a real, meaningful impact on our Cast and their families—and is part of our commitment to the thousands of Cast Members who make magic for our guests each and every day. Increasing wages for Cast Members represents a significant investment in Central Florida, and will provide a powerful boost to the local economy.”