Disney and The Service Trades Council Union Resume Talks
Disney and representatives of the Service Trades Council Union resumed negotiations today, as the entities continued to push towards a new contract.
The negotiations began this morning at 9 a.m. at the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort.
Pressure From Universal
The restart in negotiations comes one day after rival Universal announced that it would increase its base pay to $17 an hour starting in June.
“We aspire to be the employer of choice in this market, providing an inclusive environment where tam members are proud to work, have the opportunity to grow and feel a real sense of purpose and belonging,” a Universal Orlando spokesperson said.
Members of the Service Trades Council Union are hoping that the Universal news influence Disney’s negotiations.
Disney’s Rejected Offer
Earlier this month, union members rejected Disney’s offer for an immediate $1 raise.
“Interest rates are skyrocketing, groceries are skyrocketing. A dollar is going to evaporate faster than the water on the Fourth of July here in the state of Florida,” union member Diego Henry said.
Instead, union members have stated that they would like to see an initial raise of $2-an-hour, followed by a subsequent $1 raise next year.
“We need to continue to make that magic,” union member Ivy Mestre said. “For that reason, we fight to get whatever we need to survive and continue to make that magic.”
Disney’s Defense
When learning that the union rejected their offer with a 96% vote, Disney was quick to defend thier offer.
“Our strong offer provides more than 30,000 Cast Members a nearly 10% on average raise immediately. As well as retroactive increased pay in their paychecks. And we are disappointed that those increases are now delayed,” Disney spokesperson Andrea Finger wrote.
So for now, things are back to square one. It appears as if the latest round of negotiations will continue through Thursday. With Universal receiving good PR for their pay raise however, Disney may feel pressure to follow suit.
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