Disney Springs and EPCOT Employees Wear Union Buttons On Stage For First Time in Disney World History
For the first time in Walt Disney World’s 53-year history, employees at both Disney Springs and EPCOT’s Italy pavilion have begun wearing union buttons onstage.
While Disneyland Resort saw a similar display last year, there is a major difference in the Florida labor unrest — the unhappy Cast Members are not Disney employees.
Many Walt Disney World guests may not know that not all Cast Members work directly for Disney. In this scenario, the Cast Members are actually subcontracted by the Patina branch of Delaware North, which operates Enzo’s Hideaway, Maria & Enzo’s, Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia, and The Edison at Disney Springs.
Photo: Unite Here Local 737
The company also oversees Space 220, Tutto Italia Ristorante, Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria, and Tutto Gusto at EPCOT.
Disgruntled Employees Say Disney Cast Members Get Better Treatment
It should be noted that the employees at EPCOT have a union contract, while the Disney Springs employees do not.
Photo: Unite Here Local 737
”When guests visit restaurants at Disney Springs and the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, they expect the same Disney Magic and the same Disney experience,” said Joli Lindsay, a server at The Edison at Disney Springs. “But many don’t realize these workers aren’t Disney employees. They don’t have the same benefits, and there is no magic for the cast members.”
According to the disgruntled employees, despite delivering the same kind of magical service as their Disney Cast Member peers, they do not receive comparable pay, benefits, or protections.
Photo: Unite Here Local 737
“Living in Orlando, we know that Disney is where you want to go and build a career. But working at Disney Springs is not the same experience. We provide that guest experience just as much as any other Cast Members. It’s time for Patina to step up and offer us the same dignity and respect that Disney Cast Members receive,” Kristen Mercer, a server at Maria and Enzo’s said.
Unite Here Local 737’s Demands
Unite Here Local 737 demands Patina and Delaware North provide fair wages, benefits, and protections in their upcoming negotiations with EPCOT employees. They also want a fair process for workers to unionize at Disney Springs.
Photo: Unite Here Local 737
To learn more, visit www.uniteherelocal737.org
