Disney Cast Members Take On Teamsters
The history of unions interacting with The Walt Disney Company and its employees could fill its own website, but recently the saga added a new chapter; this time penned in Orlando.
Mickey Mouse And Pals Threatened to Leave Union
Months after workers who play Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other characters at Walt Disney World threatened to leave the Teamsters union because of what they called “horrible misrepresentation,” General President James Hoffa appointed two associates Monday to take over the local union.
A letter from Hoffa was posted to the doors of the Local 385 union hall in Orlando, Florida, saying he had begun a process known as trusteeship. Local 385 represents costumed character-performers, truck drivers and other Walt Disney World workers.
Hoffa promised to send resources to help the local union right itself, writing “it is regrettable that circumstances have reached this point.”
Teamsters Local 385
Costumed cast members have been part of the Teamsters union since the 1980s. Now numbering around 1000, two-thirds of the members signed a petition speaking to their grievences.
New York Times
Among the complaints was that Local 385 leaders made a deal with Disney World officials to cut out 20 or so workers from being covered by the union. Union members also said Local 385 leaders had been unresponsive to grievances by members seeking help against the companies they worked for.
In March, Hoffa ordered a hearing in Orlando where union members were able to voice their complaints to leaders with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
And in the end, the Teamsters pledged to represent “Mickey Mouse” and his compatriots more effectively.
Teamsters spokeswoman Kara Deniz said an election will be held within 18 months so members can choose new leaders.
Orlando Sentinel
