Disney is totally heartless!!!

[Zandy595]

Something about your posts just doesn"t add up in my opinon, but I am sorry for your loss.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

Ok, my take on this, is the husband couldn't get FMLA based on the bolded part above AND the fact that the wife was home with said child. Everything I read, read as if you (the husband) has to be the primary care giver for the child.

I get FMLA leave for a chronic, painful illness. I have to take days off from work and FMLA is there to protect me so I don't lose my job. As part of FMLA, my employer requires I get regular status reports from my doctor to verify I am still treating etc.

I was also confused as to why anyone would be getting FMLA off for this reason. I don't mean to offend, but that's not what FMLA is for. I would think bereavement leave (usually 3-5 days) would be more likely.

 

[underwater]

OP - my sincere sympathy for you and your family during this time. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t even begin to fathom the pain of your loss.

This has been an interesting thread and heated discussion - albeit not necessarily a logical one at times.
I'm a long time lurker, not a troll, and felt compelled to comment on this discussion.
I've spent 25 years in the corporate workplace active in HR and accounting. This is my opinion, as well as a dose of reality. I suspect that many of you will disagree with my opinion, but it is not a fairy tale, it is corporate realism.

First of all, this is in no way, Disney's fault. To state that Disney is heartless in this matter is absurd. It is likely an emotional knee-jerk reaction by the OP, but they are no more heartless than the insurance company who sold the policy. It's not Disney's fault or responsibility, and it's not the insurance company's fault. It is the benefit as paid by the contracted insurance company based on the policy written and the premium paid for that policy.

Like other large corporations, Disney has contracted with an insurance company to offer coverage to their employees - be it life, or health, or what have you. They are paid to provide a specific policy to the policy holder. This same insurance company will have policies which may differ even from company to company that they service - depending on the policy that was purchased by the Corporation. The benefits of the policy will be outlined in the policy's handbook/paperwork, which is supplied to the employee/beneficiary.
The reality is - the policy that was purchased and supplied to the employees is chosen by the Company, largely because of the cost of the policy; the cost both to the Corporation and to the employee. Corporations have been struggling for years with increasing insurance premiums due to increased healthcare costs. Companies will pay for a portion of the policy, and pass on a percentage of it to the employee. Employees scream that they’re paying too much for insurance and put pressure on the corporations to reduce insurance costs, and companies are pressed into having to find cheaper policies in an attempt to reduce or at least maintain the cost to the employee. It’s happening everywhere and although not pleasant, it is a fact of life and business. It's a no-win situation for the Company. Either they purchase bigger and better policies with bigger and better benefits and deal with unhappy employees because of the cost, or they try to give their employees a break from rising costs and bear the brunt of employees now unhappy with the benefits.

BUSINESS. The Walt Disney Companies are just that - a parent company and its group of subsidiaries. They are a business, and their business is making magic (at least its theme park subsidiaries) for it's consumers. My company’s product is property. Publix’s product is groceries. Disney's product is magic. Their cast members are employees just like we are employees of whatever company we work for. They are the ones who have to make the magic for the public. For Disney, magic is the bottom line. Companies are run by CEOs and CFOs and they are in the business of making money, regardless of what they are selling. A hospital is in the business of healing, but the main concern is the bottom line. A bus company is in the business of transportation, but the #1 priority is the bottom line.

As far as employee 'happiness', it's a nice perk when a company is rated as having high employee satisfaction, and with a company as large as the Walt Disney Companies, there is bound to be employee dissatisfaction, just as much as there is employee satisfaction. I do personally know several satisfied Disney employees. I also am aware of unhappy ones. I don't know of anyone who works for any company who is 100% satisfied with their company. There’s always something that someone won’t like. This is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, where the mindset is becoming increasingly "I'm entitled".

It is not corporately ethical to discuss wages, benefits and so forth in the open public or with your co-workers, regardless of WHO you work for. This does not apply just to the Walt Disney Companies. It's not ethical, and should not be avoided. Prohibiting personal wage and benefit divulgence to co-workers and the general public is often addressed in pre-employment discussions and accepted in employment agreements.

I also believe that this is not an FLMA matter, based on the information presented. This is a bereavement issue. Most companies allow a set number (2-4 is standard) of DAYS for bereavement. Again it is not a matter of a company singleing out an employee and saying "YOU only get 3 days" - it is a CORPORATE policy. If a person needs more time, then you take sick time or vacation time. I fully expect to have to take bereavement for my elderly father in the next year or two. I know how many days I get. I know how many I'll need (a couple weeks) I know its got to come from somewhere and my sick/short term leave is going to take the hit.

To the poster who commented that anyone who posts anything anti-Disney here is greeted with agressive defense of Disney (and those who agreed)….
What exactly did you expect? This is somewhat akin to walking into a sports bar in Downtown Dallas wearing full Redskins regalia, shouting “Dallas Sucks!!!” and not expecting the hardcore Dallas fans to defend their beloved team. This is a forum for and full of Disney fans and supporters! If someone is here on the forum slamming Disney, that seems just a little hypocritical to me.

Is Disney perfect?? Heavens, no! No company is! No company will satisfy every employee 100% of the time. No company will satisfy every consumer 100% of the time.

 

[Amlee]

I get FMLA leave for a chronic, painful illness. I have to take days off from work and FMLA is there to protect me so I don't lose my job. As part of FMLA, my employer requires I get regular status reports from my doctor to verify I am still treating etc.

I was also confused as to why anyone would be getting FMLA off for this reason. I don't mean to offend, but that's not what FMLA is for. I would think bereavement leave (usually 3-5 days) would be more likely.

I also believe that this is not an FLMA matter, based on the information presented. This is a bereavement issue. Most companies allow a set number (2-4 is standard) of DAYS for bereavement. Again it is not a matter of a company singleing out an employee and saying "YOU only get 3 days" - it is a CORPORATE policy. If a person needs more time, then you take sick time or vacation time. I fully expect to have to take bereavement for my elderly father in the next year or two. I know how many days I get. I know how many I'll need (a couple weeks) I know its got to come from somewhere and my sick/short term leave is going to take the hit.

Yup, that is what I got also.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you... and I do understand how you feel.

For those of you that have never worked for Disney, you just do not understand how they are. I worked for them.. they are not family friendly & that is why I left. I gave them a 6 month notice that I needed 2 weeks off (I was a part timer only 3 days a week). My DS was going to be playing baseball out of state and my DH & 2 DD's were going. We were making a family vacation of it. My store manager told me that I could not go! I was giving her 6 month notice ... then to top things off, I needed to switch one of my shifts, I had coverage for my shift and she would not allow it. I had a family emergency and I had to take off that day.. I told her there was no way I could come in. When my friend came in for me & I came on my next scheduled day, I was written up. I gave my notice right then and there. She begged me to stay. I asked if I stayed would I get my two weeks off to go with my family, she said no.. I told her I could not stay.. so Disney is NOT family friendly... you would only know that if you worked for them and had a situation where you had to take off.
A friend of mine worked for them for 14 years. Her dad was dying and they would not allow her to take off to drive over to the east coast of Fl to be with him while he was still alive.. she quit... and drove over to see her dad before he passed away.. is that family friendly... She said that was the best thing she had done in years... I know many that have left the Disney company for reasons like ones I have just stated.... this OP is not alone in what she is saying. As far as the insurance, well that may be different...there are times that only a percentage is paid out when a child is under a certain age, but Disney could have granted her DH some unpaid leave to be with the baby before passing away... Disney did have control over that...

oh... and they will write you up if you talk negative about the company. They will have "talk" with you... I know many CM's that this has happened to. The company doesn't take critisim very well. Even if you are in the right, they still do not want you saying anything about them....

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

OP - my sincere sympathy for you and your family during this time. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t even begin to fathom the pain of your loss.

This has been an interesting thread and heated discussion - albeit not necessarily a logical one at times.
I'm a long time lurker, not a troll, and felt compelled to comment on this discussion.
I've spent 25 years in the corporate workplace active in HR and accounting. This is my opinion, as well as a dose of reality. I suspect that many of you will disagree with my opinion, but it is not a fairy tale, it is corporate realism.

First of all, this is in no way, Disney's fault. To state that Disney is heartless in this matter is absurd. It is likely an emotional knee-jerk reaction by the OP, but they are no more heartless than the insurance company who sold the policy. It's not Disney's fault or responsibility, and it's not the insurance company's fault. It is the benefit as paid by the contracted insurance company based on the policy written and the premium paid for that policy.

Like other large corporations, Disney has contracted with an insurance company to offer coverage to their employees - be it life, or health, or what have you. They are paid to provide a specific policy to the policy holder. This same insurance company will have policies which may differ even from company to company that they service - depending on the policy that was purchased by the Corporation. The benefits of the policy will be outlined in the policy's handbook/paperwork, which is supplied to the employee/beneficiary.
The reality is - the policy that was purchased and supplied to the employees is chosen by the Company, largely because of the cost of the policy; the cost both to the Corporation and to the employee. Corporations have been struggling for years with increasing insurance premiums due to increased healthcare costs. Companies will pay for a portion of the policy, and pass on a percentage of it to the employee. Employees scream that they’re paying too much for insurance and put pressure on the corporations to reduce insurance costs, and companies are pressed into having to find cheaper policies in an attempt to reduce or at least maintain the cost to the employee. It’s happening everywhere and although not pleasant, it is a fact of life and business. It's a no-win situation for the Company. Either they purchase bigger and better policies with bigger and better benefits and deal with unhappy employees because of the cost, or they try to give their employees a break from rising costs and bear the brunt of employees now unhappy with the benefits.

BUSINESS. The Walt Disney Companies are just that - a parent company and its group of subsidiaries. They are a business, and their business is making magic (at least its theme park subsidiaries) for it's consumers. My company’s product is property. Publix’s product is groceries. Disney's product is magic. Their cast members are employees just like we are employees of whatever company we work for. They are the ones who have to make the magic for the public. For Disney, magic is the bottom line. Companies are run by CEOs and CFOs and they are in the business of making money, regardless of what they are selling. A hospital is in the business of healing, but the main concern is the bottom line. A bus company is in the business of transportation, but the #1 priority is the bottom line.

As far as employee 'happiness', it's a nice perk when a company is rated as having high employee satisfaction, and with a company as large as the Walt Disney Companies, there is bound to be employee dissatisfaction, just as much as there is employee satisfaction. I do personally know several satisfied Disney employees. I also am aware of unhappy ones. I don't know of anyone who works for any company who is 100% satisfied with their company. There’s always something that someone won’t like. This is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, where the mindset is becoming increasingly "I'm entitled".

It is not corporately ethical to discuss wages, benefits and so forth in the open public or with your co-workers, regardless of WHO you work for. This does not apply just to the Walt Disney Companies. It's not ethical, and should not be avoided. Prohibiting personal wage and benefit divulgence to co-workers and the general public is often addressed in pre-employment discussions and accepted in employment agreements.

I also believe that this is not an FLMA matter, based on the information presented. This is a bereavement issue. Most companies allow a set number (2-4 is standard) of DAYS for bereavement. Again it is not a matter of a company singleing out an employee and saying "YOU only get 3 days" - it is a CORPORATE policy. If a person needs more time, then you take sick time or vacation time. I fully expect to have to take bereavement for my elderly father in the next year or two. I know how many days I get. I know how many I'll need (a couple weeks) I know its got to come from somewhere and my sick/short term leave is going to take the hit.

To the poster who commented that anyone who posts anything anti-Disney here is greeted with agressive defense of Disney (and those who agreed)….
What exactly did you expect? This is somewhat akin to walking into a sports bar in Downtown Dallas wearing full Redskins regalia, shouting “Dallas Sucks!!!” and not expecting the hardcore Dallas fans to defend their beloved team. This is a forum for and full of Disney fans and supporters! If someone is here on the forum slamming Disney, that seems just a little hypocritical to me.

Is Disney perfect?? Heavens, no! No company is! No company will satisfy every employee 100% of the time. No company will satisfy every consumer 100% of the time.

This is fine if you're willing to concede that Disney is just another company, nothing more, nothing less. This isn't the Disney I grew up with nor that Walt imagined I don't believe.

 

[Chuck S]

This is fine if you're willing to concede that Disney is just another company, nothing more, nothing less. This isn't the Disney I grew up with nor that Walt imagined I don't believe.

Of course Disney is just another company, with stock holders, a board of directors, and CEO. They have a responsibility to those stockholders, as do all stock companies, to operate a profitable business. If they did otherwise they would be called on the carpet by investment houses.

They sell a product, that product is entertainment, just like Universal, Warner Brothers or any other conglomerate.

Walt Disney could never have imagined the market forces and demands of today. When most of us were growing up, you worked for a major company and rarely changed employers. Today, it is not uncommon for people to change jobs every few months.

In the 1960s, a single worker could support a family of 4, with a stay at home spouse to look after the kids. That is a rarity today.

What changed? Corporate raiders bought stock, did hostile take overs and sold off assets for a quick buck, and were praised by wall street. Look at Phillips and Unocal, once strong companies now merged because of such tactics. Wall street is all about profit, ethics are only a memory.

 

[remain seated please]

Of course Disney is just another company, with stock holders, a board of directors, and CEO. They have a responsibility to those stockholders, as do all stock companies, to operate a profitable business. If they did otherwise they would be called on the carpet by investment houses.

Disney also has a responsibility to be a good employer who treats its employees with respect and dignity. I have never read on these boards anything about how wonderful Disney is as an employer. Sure there are people who love their jobs. And in many cases they have no idea what happens when the company turns on them. I am talking about the part time "castmembers". These people never know what hit them when they leave the company. Many of them are "managed out" by managers and above who don't like them. Sometimes it makes the employee bitter at the boss, but never at the company.

Others learn how little they mean to the company when something goes terribly wrong in thier life and the company is not there to support them. Support does not have to be financial. A little bit of understanding goes a long way. With Disney, you often get guilted into doing what the "company" wants you to do.

My Regional Director at TDS tried to guilt me into working over a holiday weekend that I was supposed to be off saying that she had a manager who had gallblatter surgery and returned to work two days afterwords because her job was important to her.

My grandmother died while I was a TDS manager and I was told that since grandparents did not fall under the company's bareavement policy, I could not take off two days to be with my mom for the funeral. The reason was because a sale was starting and the other manager was going to be on vacation. I didn't care about being paid, I just wanted to be with my mom during a difficult time. Disney only cared about the business. So, Chuck S., I guess your argument is correct.

On a related note. After I left Disney, I was able to return to Starbucks as a store manager. I came down with a very bad case of the shingles, which resulted in me having permanent nerve damage from it. It was my District Manager (a former Disneyland CM) who saw what I was going through and made me take a medical leave. He cared enough to step in. I was scared to do this because of my TDS experience and shared that with him. He said to me, "I'm sorry that happened to you, but this is Starbucks and not Disney. You will never have to worry about losing your job here because you or someone you love is sick." I took a 2-month disability leave and returned to my job without incident.

To their guests, Disney is the greatest, most magical company ever. The Disney experience to a guest is filled with memories that last a lifetime. Disney will bend over backwards for a Guest with even the smallest issue. But when a castmember has an issue or a personal tragedy in their his or her life, Disney is all about business and the employee no longer matters.

Is that the Disney that so many people are so quick to defend?

 

[happygirl]

I'm sorry but I think this post was nothing but It seems like the OP opened a can of worms and then ran off. If this is a true post then OP I'm very sorry for your loss but your are angry at the wrong people

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I'm sorry, but if I owned a company, there would be rules in place about vacation scheduling and time off also. Can you imagine if every company let people take months worth of time off because distant relatives or friends were sick?

All companies I know of allow for spouse, child, parents. That's it.

If my long term boyfriend, or my co-workers fiance she's lived with for 5 years get sick or die, or my other coworkers best friend, or my bosses cousin or her bosses dog get sick/die they take vacation time. Otherwise you would have people taking weeks off for every sick friend or family member they have.

I realize not everyone is as close to their parents/siblings as they are to their 3rd cousin or great aunt. But they have to put some ground rules down or people would abuse the system.

Also, where I work and everywhere I have ever worked, vacation time (such as taking 2 weeks off to go to a baseball game with your kid on a family trip) is on a first come first serve basis with only a handful of vacation slots open each day. I wanted to go to Disney this year over Halloween but there were no open vacation days during the times I wanted to go. Thus, I rescheduled my trip. I didn't expect my company to alter their policy so I could go to the F&W festival.

 

[WDSearcher]

OP: I'm very sorry for your loss.

Moderators: Can you edit the OP's post so she is not giving out info that could get her DH fired. I know, in the past moderator's have taken out info that gave away a person's name or address. I wouldn't ask normally, but the OP is under a lot of stress, and possibly not thinking clearly about the repercussions this could have on her family. If they are already having financial problems they don't need to be dealing with the loss of a job too.

Honestly, people, nothing the OP has written will get anyone fired. She's venting, she's angry, she's expressing an opinion. Even Disney allows this. And Disney is -- all observations here to the contrary -- a reasonable company. A quick read of the OP's initial post shows you that she is quite obviously reacting out of grief, anger, frustration and extreme sadness. If the OP had called out specific people or had released any confidential or priviledged information, that would be called to task by Disney. But truly -- no editing is required. Disney is not really the "Big Brotherish" company that some of you think it is. CMs are actually allowed to have opinions contrary to the company line. They can say negative things about the company as long as it is done in a reasonable manner. Disney draws the line at giving away trade secrets, posting personal information of other CMs, or doing anything that would get you fired no matter who you worked for. Everyone needs to just kind of chill out regarding this.

 

[WDSearcher]

For those of you that have never worked for Disney, you just do not understand how they are. I worked for them.. they are not family friendly & that is why I left. I gave them a 6 month notice that I needed 2 weeks off (I was a part timer only 3 days a week). My DS was going to be playing baseball out of state and my DH & 2 DD's were going. We were making a family vacation of it. My store manager told me that I could not go! I was giving her 6 month notice ... then to top things off, I needed to switch one of my shifts, I had coverage for my shift and she would not allow it. I had a family emergency and I had to take off that day.. I told her there was no way I could come in. When my friend came in for me & I came on my next scheduled day, I was written up. I gave my notice right then and there. She begged me to stay. I asked if I stayed would I get my two weeks off to go with my family, she said no.. I told her I could not stay.. so Disney is NOT family friendly... you would only know that if you worked for them and had a situation where you had to take off.
A friend of mine worked for them for 14 years. Her dad was dying and they would not allow her to take off to drive over to the east coast of Fl to be with him while he was still alive.. she quit... and drove over to see her dad before he passed away.. is that family friendly... She said that was the best thing she had done in years... I know many that have left the Disney company for reasons like ones I have just stated.... this OP is not alone in what she is saying. As far as the insurance, well that may be different...there are times that only a percentage is paid out when a child is under a certain age, but Disney could have granted her DH some unpaid leave to be with the baby before passing away... Disney did have control over that...

oh... and they will write you up if you talk negative about the company. They will have "talk" with you... I know many CM's that this has happened to. The company doesn't take critisim very well. Even if you are in the right, they still do not want you saying anything about them....

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you -- I have had a much different experience in my 17 years with Disney. Perhaps it's the difference of working in the parks vs. The Disney Stores (many of the most disgruntled people seem to refer to TDS); maybe it's just the luck of the draw. I've never had a problem taking time for family matters -- in fact, I had my father, mother and grandfather die within months of each other during my third year with the Company. Each time, I was given whatever leave I needed without question, my department sent flowers to all three funerals, people within my department donated vacation time so I could have paid time off, and my managers even helped me reconcile wills, medical bills and insurance problems during breaks. I know that there are people who have not had positive experiences -- I just wanted to show the other side.

 

[mickeysgal]

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you -- I have had a much different experience in my 17 years with Disney. Perhaps it's the difference of working in the parks vs. The Disney Stores (many of the most disgruntled people seem to refer to TDS); maybe it's just the luck of the draw. I've never had a problem taking time for family matters -- in fact, I had my father, mother and grandfather die within months of each other during my third year with the Company. Each time, I was given whatever leave I needed without question, my department sent flowers to all three funerals, people within my department donated vacation time so I could have paid time off, and my managers even helped me reconcile wills, medical bills and insurance problems during breaks. I know that there are people who have not had positive experiences -- I just wanted to show the other side.

I have to agree - a lot of the unhappiness seems to have stemmed from The Disney Store. Speaking from experience here, I did work with the Disney Store for years. It was the individual management chains that made it either pleasant or hell...not the company known as Disney. That you're going to find everywhere whether you work at Starbucks, Disney, JCPenney, Kohls, etc.

The Disney Store was strict about time off - it's retail. They had black out days, weekends and yes, months during the busy holiday season. They had limits as to the amount of days you can request off per month and only certain days at that. That's retail. It's when people want the rules bent for them that they get p.o'd and start spouting that Disney is mean, Disney should be more friendly, and my favorite, that's not what Walt wanted.

 

[underwater]

This is fine if you're willing to concede that Disney is just another company, nothing more, nothing less. This isn't the Disney I grew up with nor that Walt imagined I don't believe.

The FACT is, they are another "Company". The Company is an entirely different entity in the 21st century than is was 40 or 60 years ago - it has had to evolve in order to stay alive. Walt himself was not always a saint to work for, if you read the biographies of himself and of the company. But Disney, which is synonymous with magic, fairy tales, and happiness has grown from being a struggling company to a company that almost died due to hostile takeover attempts (it needed to evolve), to a mega-corporation. It's *not* just another company - but at the same time, it is, and has to be in today's market.

Of course Disney is just another company, with stock holders, a board of directors, and CEO. They have a responsibility to those stockholders, as do all stock companies, to operate a profitable business. If they did otherwise they would be called on the carpet by investment houses.

Walt Disney could never have imagined the market forces and demands of today. When most of us were growing up, you worked for a major company and rarely changed employers. Today, it is not uncommon for people to change jobs every few months.

Exactly.

Disney also has a responsibility to be a good employer who treats its employees with respect and dignity. I have never read on these boards anything about how wonderful Disney is as an employer. Sure there are people who love their jobs. And in many cases they have no idea what happens when the company turns on them. I am talking about the part time "castmembers". These people never know what hit them when they leave the company. Many of them are "managed out" by managers and above who don't like them. Sometimes it makes the employee bitter at the boss, but never at the company.

Others learn how little they mean to the company when something goes terribly wrong in thier life and the company is not there to support them. Support does not have to be financial. A little bit of understanding goes a long way. With Disney, you often get guilted into doing what the "company" wants you to do.

Disney is all about business and the employee no longer matters.

Is that the Disney that so many people are so quick to defend?

I'm sorry that things didn't work out between you and your TDS manager.
First, an employee who leaves because they were 'forced out by management' - the company didn't make them leave - a supervisor/manager did. What were the circumstances surrounding it? Why is an employee 'forced' to leave a company - usually they are not performing like they should, or calling in all the time, don't play well with others, or not upholding the Disney (or any company's) standard. An employee of a company is just that - an employee OF the company. In agreeing to work for said company, we agree to the pay and benefits plans that we get, and WE are responsible TO the company. As employees of a company, we work FOR them. We can't just come and go as we please and expect something from the company every time we turn around - we have become an entitleistic society.
Yes, Disney IS all about business - they're supposed to be - they're a business. It is seems to be a popular misconception that because its "Disney" it is going to be a utopian company and workplace. They are good to their employees, but I suspect a fair share of their own people take advantage of them because of the name.

 

[MELSMICE]

I have to agree - a lot of the unhappiness seems to have stemmed from The Disney Store. Speaking from experience here, I did work with the Disney Store for years. It was the individual management chains that made it either pleasant or hell...not the company known as Disney.

Hadn't The Disney Stores been purchased by another chain (The Children's Place parent company?)???

I do think they were recently bought back by Disney & are now in the process of being closed (at least many of them).

I know I could be completely wrong, but I thought for quite a while they weren't actually owned by the Disney Corporation.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Hadn't The Disney Stores been purchased by another chain (The Children's Place parent company?)???

I do think they were recently bought back by Disney & are now in the process of being closed (at least many of them).

I know I could be completely wrong, but I thought for quite a while they weren't actually owned by the Disney Corporation.

TDS was owned by The Children's Place from November of 2004 to April 30, 2008. It was announced that when Disney took back over, approximately 100 stores would be closing, limiting the amount of stores throughout the country. There are select stores closing, not all stores are closing. All of the closing stores will be closed within the next two weeks, sadly. Like I said above, a majority of the stores will be remaining open.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

The FACT is, they are another "Company". The Company is an entirely different entity in the 21st century than is was 40 or 60 years ago - it has had to evolve in order to stay alive. Walt himself was not always a saint to work for, if you read the biographies of himself and of the company. But Disney, which is synonymous with magic, fairy tales, and happiness has grown from being a struggling company to a company that almost died due to hostile takeover attempts (it needed to evolve), to a mega-corporation. It's *not* just another company - but at the same time, it is, and has to be in today's market.

Are they just another Wal-Mart, Ford or Exxon or not? Wal-Mart = Disney?

I remember the day when 'The Disney Way' was taught on college campuses, when Disney held symposiums to help other companies do things 'The Disney Way' ... But now they're just another Company and that's OK with folks because they have to report profits to Wall St. Because it's a brave new world???

How was PIXAR able to do things 'The Disney Way' when Disney no longer could, yet they were competing in the same time and space.

The Company could still have a heart if the basic ideals of what made Disney great and successful were still paramount in their core beliefs. But they aren't and this is what we get...Just another company.

 

[remain seated please]

The FACT is, they are another "Company". The Company is an entirely different entity in the 21st century than is was 40 or 60 years ago - it has had to evolve in order to stay alive. Walt himself was not always a saint to work for, if you read the biographies of himself and of the company. But Disney, which is synonymous with magic, fairy tales, and happiness has grown from being a struggling company to a company that almost died due to hostile takeover attempts (it needed to evolve), to a mega-corporation. It's *not* just another company - but at the same time, it is, and has to be in today's market.

Exactly.

I'm sorry that things didn't work out between you and your TDS manager.
First, an employee who leaves because they were 'forced out by management' - the company didn't make them leave - a supervisor/manager did. What were the circumstances surrounding it? Why is an employee 'forced' to leave a company - usually they are not performing like they should, or calling in all the time, don't play well with others, or not upholding the Disney (or any company's) standard. An employee of a company is just that - an employee OF the company. In agreeing to work for said company, we agree to the pay and benefits plans that we get, and WE are responsible TO the company. As employees of a company, we work FOR them. We can't just come and go as we please and expect something from the company every time we turn around - we have become an entitleistic society.
Yes, Disney IS all about business - they're supposed to be - they're a business. It is seems to be a popular misconception that because its "Disney" it is going to be a utopian company and workplace. They are good to their employees, but I suspect a fair share of their own people take advantage of them because of the name.

If you think companies don't "force" people out. You're dead wrong. The term that TDS used privately was to "manage out" the people who they felt did not meet company standards. Make their jobs difficult so that they would quit on their own. That way Disney could fight their unemployment claims. You were to hire a "bench" of castmembers who would replace the problem person. Cut that person's hours down to nothing. Make them feel uncomfortable and they would just quit. Disney is legendary for taking people in, chewing them up and spitting them out.

An employer that does not treat it's employees with respect and dignity is a bad employer. Period. The trouble here is that with the stories that have been posted by people, there are still some who feel the need to defend Disney. Let's face it, folks. Disney is not going anywhere (except for the Disney Stores). Not today anyway. You can't agree or disagree with a person who had a negative experience as a Disney employee. But offering your apologies and then defending the company, simply because you are a fan is beneath you.

 

[WDSearcher]

But offering your apologies and then defending the company, simply because you are a fan is beneath you.

Why? Why can't I feel badly for someone but still defend the company? The two things are not mutually exclusive. I can feel badly for what someone is going through and still defend a company that has done me no wrong and has not been proven wrong in this instance. The OP's original post has holes in it -- places that bring on questions and require additional information. Many people have asked valid questions about the circumstances that could help shed light, but those questions have not been answered (because the OP certainly has more important things to focus on right now). The people who are angry at Disney are reacting more to the OP's initial grief and anger than to what actually happened. Because none of us knows what actually happened. We only know what the OP says happened, and that information is incomplete.

As for the people who are condemning Disney because of their personal experiences and not just those of the OP, that's a different thing. But if they are allowed to condemn Disney based on their experiences, why am I not allowed to defend them based on mine?

Have people here reported problems with Disney as an employer? Certainly. Do they represent a large enough sample of all Disney CMs to make a judgement about the company as a whole? No, they don't.

 

[Chuck S]

But offering your apologies and then defending the company, simply because you are a fan is beneath you.

That's just as silly as as saying you can't support our troops without supporting the war. Business is business in todays economy and marketplace. Walt Disney Comany would probably have been grabbed in a hostile takeover bid today if Walt were still in charge. Investors and Wall Street demand performance financially, not magically. It is sad, I agree, but today you're only as good as your last P & L statement.