Universal Orlando Increases Worker Pay to $15/Hour – Will Disney World?
Beginning June 27, Universal Orlando will pay all employees a minimum of $15 an hour. Will Disney World follow suit?
18,000 employees will get raises
Photo: Universal
Universal Orlando Resort announced it is increasing its starting base rate to $15 per hour – up from $13 – and giving more than 18,000 current team members a raise based on the new rates and their time with the company.
Universal’s announcement represents the single-largest wage increase in Universal Orlando history. And while $15 is Universal’s new starting base rate, the company is increasing starting rates for many other positions based on job requirements. The new rates will become effective June 27 and will impact full-time and part-time hourly positions as well as entry-level salaried roles.
“We are excited about our future and we want team members who will be excited to be part of that journey,” said John Sprouls, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Universal Parks & Resorts. “This is about taking care of both our current team members and those who will be joining our team. We know a great guest experience begins with our team members – and we will continue to provide the best work experience we can.”
Photo: Universal
Hiring spree
Universal Orlando currently is hiring thousands of full-time and part-time team members for the summer.
Disney playing catchup
Photo: Josh D’Amaro/Instagram
According to Nasdaq.com, “Rival Disney is getting there. Three summers ago Disney World reached a deal with a half-dozen unions representing the lion’s share of the resort’s employees. Disney was starting new employees at just $10 an hour at the time, but the agreement has the House of Mouse scaling higher until the new hourly minimum rate for non-tipped “cast members” goes from $14 to $15 in October. With staffing becoming a problem across many consumer-facing businesses, victory in the “fight for $15″ was inevitable.”
Staffing shortages affecting pay
“Cedar Fair’s iconic Cedar Point recently turned heads for updating its June availability. The park will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday through the next four weeks, citing insufficient employees to operate every day. Last week it took the dramatic step of doubling its pay to $20 an hour and offering a $500 signing bonus for new or returning hires. Bumping up labor costs will weigh on the bottom line, but it’s better than not being open at all.
Universal Orlando and eventually Disney paying $15 an hour will be easier to stomach at gated attractions where single-day tickets run in the triple digits, but one has to wonder about the competition. Central Florida’s third-largest theme park operator by attendance — SeaWorld Entertainment — raised its hourly rate to $11 an hour in late 2018. It won’t be able to stay there when its two largest rivals are paying 36% more.”
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