Disney World Cast Members Have Begun Voting on New Labor Contract
After months of contentious negotiations, Service Trades Council Union members will finally vote on Disney’s latest contract proposal.
The new agreement will see all cast members paid at least $18 an hour. The contract also provides $5.50 in raises over the next five years.
According to Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here Local 362, that money will be life-changing.
“If this gets approved tomorrow and people wake up on Thursday morning, they’re going to be making $2 an hour more than they were the day before,” Clinton said. “That right there is $80 a week or $320 a month.”
An Improved Deal
Union members had previously rejected an offer from Disney that would have given Cast Members a $1 per hour raise.
At the time, Disney responded to the “no” vote by pointing out that Cast Members’ raises would be delayed.
“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 in February.
Walt Disney World’s Statement
Now that an agreement seems imminent, however, Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World has touted the new terms.
“Our cast members are central to Walt Disney World’s enduring magic, which is why we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement. Disney is proud to offer an industry-leading employment package that includes comprehensive benefits and affordable medical coverage, in addition to 100% paid tuition for higher education for hourly employees through the Disney Aspire program. With the support of the unions, we anticipate cast members will approve this new agreement,” the statement said.
Voting on the new agreement started this morning, March 29th. It is expected that union members will approve the deal.
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