BREAKING: Disney Announces Temporary Furlough of Executive, Salaried, and Non-Union Cast Members in the United States

[Drewferin]

BREAKING: Disney Announces Temporary Furlough of Executive, Salaried, and Non-Union Cast Members in the United States

Disney has just announced that it will be furloughing all U.S.-based, non-essential Cast Members and employees starting April 19.

The OC Register reports:

A letter from Disney about the temporary, short-term furlough was sent to U.S.-based executives, salaried and non-union hourly employees of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
“With the utmost care and consideration, we are instituting a temporary, short-term furlough for executive, salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members based in the U.S. with the exception of those whose roles or projects are crucial to maintaining our operations during this closure period, effective April 19,” the letter from Disney said.

Wow this might mean June 1st date isnt going to happen... Maybe I should cancel my early Aug trip now and bank points...

https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/breaking-...-non-union-cast-members-in-the-united-states/

 

[Sandisw]

I did see this but it looks like they are covering health insurance and the CMs qualify for both states and federal unemployment.

But, it does make you wonder if June 1st, even for resorts, is too ambitious. Though, they could bring back mid May and still manage some level of opening.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Will there be DVC cast members to answer phones? That seems crucial to me.

 

[CarolynFH]

Will there be DVC cast members to answer phones? That seems crucial to me.

The actual announcement says "we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time." Hopefully DVC CMs will be considered employees whose jobs ARE necessary at this time, since they'll have to deal with cancellations and rebooking and other DVC operations.

 

[Drewferin]

The actual announcement says "we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time." Hopefully DVC CMs will be considered employees whose jobs ARE necessary at this time, since they'll have to deal with cancellations and rebooking and other DVC operations.

I just got off the phone with DVC about maybe canceling a vacation. I did ask about the the new announcement and they stated "We dont know...". Technically DVC dues pay for DVC cast members to answer the phones. The women said they hope to have clarification soon.

 

[LAX]

Will there be DVC cast members to answer phones? That seems crucial to me.

My guess is Disney will go to "barebone" crew levels, including DVC. While there are going to be people answering phone calls, the hold time would likely be longer than expected (perhaps even longer than what people are experiencing now).

LAX

 

[Ben E N]

I have to say that I am impressed with how well Disney has managed this. It is by no fault at all of their employees, but they are giving them a month of free pay, providing them with over two weeks of notice, and are still providing full health benefits.
It would be too much to ask them to pay people indefinitely. We have no idea when they could start to utilize them again, and with no revenue from parks, movies, or cruises, all that extra salary could bankrupt them eventually.

 

[Drewferin]

My guess is Disney will go to "barebone" crew levels, including DVC. While there are going to be people answering phone calls, the hold time would likely be longer than expected (perhaps even longer than what people are experiencing now).

LAX

I got through in 16 minutes this evening

 

[CarolynFH]

I got through in 16 minutes this evening

The furloughs don’t take effect until April 19.

 

[The Prophet]

I would have been surprised if they did not make this move

 

[LAX]

I would have been surprised if they did not make this move

Agreed. There is no way any business can afford to keep paying their employees with essentially zero income.

LAX

 

[Krandor]

I would have been surprised if they did not make this move

yeah had to be done but letting them get unemployment and keeping them on health insurance if god forbid they get covid is a good gesture.

it is a down the middle move helping as much as possible and not just abondoning them.

 

[Pryd]

While everyone is reading the post correctly, the one thing you must know is that ONLY Full Time CM's have/can qualify for, health insurance. Part Timers do not and never have had the option for health insurance. I applaud Disney for paying us through April 18, and wish all fellow CM's the best of health, and I, for one am looking forward to the day I can Make Some Magic again

 

[The Prophet]

While everyone is reading the post correctly, the one thing you must know is that ONLY Full Time CM's have/can qualify for, health insurance. Part Timers do not and never have had the option for health insurance. I applaud Disney for paying us through April 18, and wish all fellow CM's the best of health, and I, for one am looking forward to the day I can Make Some Magic again

And we look forward to helping you make some of that magic

 

[drusba]

Does the announcement mean all union employees will continue to be paid beyond April 16?

 

[CarolMN]

Does the announcement mean all union employees will continue to be paid beyond April 16?

Most likely, it means Disney is talking to union leaders. They do not have the same freedom to unilaterally make some decisions that impact union employees. My guess (based on my own experience dealing with union contracts) is that another announcement is forthcoming.

 

[Matty B13]

I'm guessing that the unions are making sure, in writing, that all members are covered by health insurance before being furloughed.

 

[dclpluto]

I have to say that I am impressed with how well Disney has managed this. It is by no fault at all of their employees, but they are giving them a month of free pay, providing them with over two weeks of notice, and are still providing full health benefits.
It would be too much to ask them to pay people indefinitely. We have no idea when they could start to utilize them again, and with no revenue from parks, movies, or cruises, all that extra salary could bankrupt them eventually.

i started a thread a few days on community board.about how cast members will make more money on unemployment. Florida unemployment pay sucks. California pay is a little better but still bad. But with the extra 600 dollars most cast members will be doing better.probably why Disney felt it was the right time do do this.

 

[Ben E N]

i started a thread a few days on community board.about how cast members will make more money on unemployment. Florida unemployment pay sucks. California pay is a little better but still bad. But with the extra 600 dollars most cast members will be doing better.probably why Disney felt it was the right time do do this.

I hope this isn't the case, but with Florida locking down so much later than California, their local economy may suffer for longer as well. This whole thing is so heartbreaking to read about. I am so lucky to be able to work from home and can't imagine the sort of stress these sorts of workers are feeling. No job, no prospects of ever returning to work in pretty much any field, and nothing to occupy their time while they are stuck at home.

 

[The Prophet]

i started a thread a few days on community board.about how cast members will make more money on unemployment. Florida unemployment pay sucks. California pay is a little better but still bad. But with the extra 600 dollars most cast members will be doing better.probably why Disney felt it was the right time do do this.

I don't want to veer too far off topic and potentially getting this thread locked, but I suspect the unemployment stimulus will be extended to the end of the year