The Disneyland Resort has announced that another one of its unions ratified a new contract this evening to raise minimum wages to $15 this January.
- 2,700 Disneyland Resort hotel Cast Members from Unite Here! Local 11 ratified a five-year term this evening with a minimum wage increase of 40% over the next two years of the agreement.
- This will raise the minimum wage to $15 minimum wage as of January 2019 while housekeepers while increase to $15.80 immediately.
- News of Unite Here! Local 11 reaching a new agreement comes after unions representing approximately 9,700 ratified a contract in July that will also see wages increase to $15 come January.
- The Resort also says it’s also paying increased minimum rates to thousands of hourly non-union Cast Members.
- Disneyland notes that this means many of its Cast Members will reach the $15 minimum wage three years before California’s scheduled increase.
- Additionally, starting next month, Disneyland Resort will roll out employee healthcare coverage that offers affordable options for many Cast Members, their families and eligible dependents.
- According to the Disney, one plan could have an employee contribution for as little as $6 per week for single participants.
- In August, the company also introduced Disney Aspire, an extensive education investment program which is providing Cast Members the resources to learn, grow and achieve within or outside of the company.
- The program allows hourly Disneyland Resort Cast Members to pursue a bevy of educational pursuits, from vocational or language studies to bachelor and master’s degree programs.
- Announced at the beginning of this year by The Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger, Disney Aspire represents an initial investment of $150 million over the next five years. Cast interest in Disney Aspire has exceeded company expectations.
What they’re saying:
- Josh D’Amaro, president of the Disneyland Resort: “The strides we have made to implement $15 an hour minimum wages will have an immediate and lasting impact on the quality of life of our Cast Members and their families. Additionally, we are very proud to offer our cast peace of mind through affordable healthcare options and free educational opportunities with our groundbreaking new program called Disney Aspire… Cast Members often join Disney because of their love for our brand, and stay with us because of the opportunities and overall employment experience they are exposed to throughout their careers. In fact, over the past five years, 89 percent of the open entry-level leadership roles have been filled by frontline, hourly Cast Members providing career options and a strong and bright future.”
- Lucy Dunn, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council Lucy Dunn: “Over the last several months, Disney has found common ground on significant labor contracts, increased wages for union and non-union workers and introduced a comprehensive no-cost education program for hourly cast members that’s unlike any we’ve ever seen. This is not only good for Disney and its cast members, it sets the bar for our entire Orange County community and we applaud their efforts.”