Characters protesting

[NYDisneyKid]

anyone see the characters protesting yesterday about their union issues?

http://www.clickorlando.com/entertainment/26803237/detail.html

 

[AndyFL]

Not sure...Capt Hook looked pretty snarly yesterday

 

[nanaka]

I hate that it was done in costume.

Whether or not their reasoning for protesting is justified, doesn't mean that my children should see the characters in that light

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

I hate that it was done in costume.

Whether or not their reasoning for protesting is justified, doesn't mean that my children should see the characters in that light

I agree with this 100%

 

[chartle]

The protest took place right across the street from the theme park

Where was this protest I'm not super familiar with the area but it looked like the Crossroads across from the entrance to Hotel boulevard? Hardly what I would call across the street from a theme park.

Somewhere around here. http://goo.gl/maps/SiXc

Also how would you see them, it looked like they were behind a hedge?

I didn't have the sound on (at work) so maybe they explained this in the story.

 

[chartle]

I hate that it was done in costume.

Whether or not their reasoning for protesting is justified, doesn't mean that my children should see the characters in that light

What costumes I saw one person in some sort of yellow horse outfit?

 

[nanaka]

What costumes I saw one person in some sort of yellow horse outfit?

Haha...I assumed it was Winnie the Pooh.

 

[chartle]

dup

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Where was this protest I'm not super familiar with the area but it looked like the Crossroads across from the entrance to Hotel boulevard? Hardly what I would call across the street from a theme park. http://goo.gl/maps/Vdc2

That's the place.

What costumes I saw one person in some sort of yellow horse outfit?

In the video posted at the OP's link they show men dressed as Woody and Buzz, although they'd hardly be confused as the theme park characters. They're wearing the costumes that you can buy at any costume shop.

 

[Yubbie]

I hate that it was done in costume.

Whether or not their reasoning for protesting is justified, doesn't mean that my children should see the characters in that light

But consider all the kids that could have met Woody, Buzz, and some Pooh/Horse combo dude without going to Disney World.

I'm sure it was the Happiest Protest on Earth.

 

[disnut8]

What I find interesting is how the spin works with situations like this. The Cast Members are saying they will be taking home less because the hourly raise is not as much as the increase in health care costs. But then Disney comes out and says that a small number of Cast Members are affected because (1) they are on the lower end of the wage scale but, more importantly (2) they choose the more expensive health care plan. But Disney gives five different health care plans. So I guess it could be considered a matter of choice depending on which side you support.

 

[lovealatte]

But would kids be able to tell they weren't the true characters?

Ugh.. how would you explain that one? "You see.. when Pooh doesn't get enough hunny.."

 

[Berlioz70]

Just wanted to clarify that it was the general Cast Member population protesting, not Character Performers specifically.

 

[-Hope-]

The simple fact is that when Disney allows costumes to be made for rental shops then people can do whatever they want in those costumes. I've seen people do a lot worse than protest in Disney costumes on Halloween and many of them in places where kids could see them.

I'm thinking that they knew they'd garner more attention, therefore increasing the chances of negotiation from Disney, by wearing costumes. I hope they get it sorted out before it goes any further because, as much as I love Disney and am looking forward to our upcoming trip, I won't cross a picket line (if it comes to that, hopefully it won't).

 

[sparklynails23]

If we end up going to in April, and they're still picketing, we'll go to Universal and Sea World. We won't cross a picket (and they aren't paid enough).

 

[wtccheermom]

If we end up going to in April, and they're still picketing, we'll go to Universal and Sea World. We won't cross a picket (and they aren't paid enough).

REally????Do you think that the benefits and pay at the other parks are any better? I will gladly cross a picket line because I find a lot of the tactics they use are that of a school yard bully.

 

[Schmeck]

REally????Do you think that the benefits and pay at the other parks are any better? I will gladly cross a picket line because I find a lot of the tactics they use are that of a school yard bully.

I hope you never find yourself in a position where your take home check decreases because you need a more expensive health care package.

Also, to the poster who implied that the union workers should not exercise their right to picket wearing costumes, why don't you just explain to your child that the people are trying to make a living just like everyone else, and they put on costumes (like people wear on Halloween) toget attention. That would be much better than to condemn them for hampering your child's entertainment.

 

[dzorn]

Raises heck it would be nice not to get the pay cuts that many have had the last few years.

Given the number of people Disney employs why so few protesting?

Denise in MI

 

[wtccheermom]

Raises heck it would be nice not to get the pay cuts that many have had the last few years.

Given the number of people Disney employs why so few protesting?

Denise in MI

Exactly!!!! They were all fully aware of what their hourly wage would be when they accepted the job and now to strike because your raise was not enough is ridiculous. If you are unhappy with what the pay increase is then move on and let someone who wants to work for that amount have the job. The premises of unions when they began were to protect workers now many for the most part are based on greed and extortion. If their pay had been cut than I would fully understand the need to picket!

 

[GinnyEmma]

There are a lot of people who haven't gotten raises. My husband didn't. We also have to pay more for insurance. One can't assume that wages will raise. That is the point. Get another job. There are many more out there who would be happy for yours.

I don't care if employees of companies like disney picket. I would just explain that to my kids, and I would not change a multi thousand dollar vacation to avoid crossing the line.