ORLANDO (Fla.) — The Walt Disney World service workers reached a tentative agreement with the company Thursday. It would increase the starting minimum wage from $15 an hour to $18 per hour by the end. This pact could be a foundation for the start pay in central Florida’s vast tourism industry.
Disney World service workers are part of six unions that form the Service Trades Council Union coalition. They will vote on Wednesday next week to approve the contract proposal. This is after rejecting an earlier offer which fell below the $18 per hour minimum wage. Around 45,000 workers are covered by the agreement at the Disney resort. Union leaders stated that workers could see their hourly earnings rise between $5.50 to $8.60 after the contract’s five-year term ends.
Matt Hollis of the coalition of unions stated that union members were determined and willing to fight for the $18 minimum hourly wage this year, as well as increasing the economic value of Disney’s original offer. He also said that workers should be paid back their full wages. “Today we won that battle.”
In a statement, Disney stated that the tentative agreement also included “industry leading” benefits such as tuition reimbursement and health insurance coverage.
“Our cast members are key to Walt Disney World’s enduring magic. That is why we are happy to have reached this tentative arrangement,” Jeff Vahle (president of Walt Disney World Resort) stated in the statement.
The service workers contract covers costumed performers such as Mickey Mouse, other Disney characters, bus drivers and lifeguards. It also includes the bus drivers, chefs, lifeguards, lifeguards and hotel housekeepers. This makes up more than half the workforce of Disney World’s 70,000+. Five years ago, Disney became the first major employer to adopt a $15 minimum hourly wage. This set the standard for all other workers in the region that is dominated by hospitality jobs.
Disney World is in a difficult time when the contract proposal for the largest resort worker group comes. Florida Gov. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature, recently passed legislation that gives the Republican governor power to appoint a governing board of the district responsible for overseeing government services at the 27,000-acre resort. The previous control of the board was Disney.
Last year, the Disney district was taken over by , an entertainment giant under intense pressure. opposed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation , which prohibits instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade, and any lessons deemed inappropriate for children.
DeSantis is a cultural warrior who has earned a national reputation ahead of an likely GOP presidential run.
