13 APR 2020

DISNEY WORLD TO FURLOUGH 43,000 WORKERS IN FLORIDA

The decision was part of an agreement between Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, a collection of six unions representing the 43,000 workers at the theme park resort in Florida. The company will keep 200 essential employees and will provide free healthcare for a year to those who are laid off and eligible for health care benefits.

13 APR 2020

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Walt Disney World in Florida announced plans to furlough about 43,000 workers and only keep 200 essential employees beginning on 19 April after its parks closed last month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was part of an agreement between Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, a collection of six unions representing the 43,000 workers at the theme park resort in Florida.

The union represents employees, known as cast members, in various jobs, including theme park attendants, custodians, vacation planners, housekeepers, bus drivers, and monorail workers. “Anything service-related,” Mr. Clinton said. President of Unite Here Local 362, Eric Clinton noted that a furlough would generally have an end date, but due to the uncertainties of the crisis, the company does not. “This is a decision that the union doesn’t like,” he said on Saturday in a Facebook Live announcement. “However, it’s within the company’s right to lay off and furlough employees in this situation.” In a statement on Sunday, the company confirmed the furlough agreement with the union. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Service Trades Council Union that will maintain members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs during a temporary furlough effective April 19,” the statement said.

The workers are expected to eventually be called back to resume their jobs. In the meantime, the company has agreed to provide members who have health care benefits with free health care for a year and employees will be immediately eligible to enroll in state unemployment benefits. The duty of the 200 individuals who will keep their jobs includes housekeeping, custodial and lake patrol positions. Walt Disney World employs about 77,000 people and draws an average of more than 52 million visitors a year, according to the union. The company has reached similar agreements with other unions that represent security guards, facility workers, and musicians who perform at its theme parks.

This is a decision that the union doesn’t like. We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Service Trades Council Union that will maintain members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs during a temporary furlough effective 19 April.” Eric Clinton President, Unite Here Local 362