Disney is totally heartless!!!

[underwater]

Peter - yes, again, it IS another company - publicly owned and traded. Investors and stockholders holding executives responsible for their investment returns. The have evolved, are still a strong company who is a good company to work for (depending on who you ask, of course) and have become the 2nd largest entertainment/media brand in a competetive industry. Sadly, it's not 1928 or even 1971 any longer, and business can't be run as if it were.

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.

Exactly what I said - not performing up to the company's standards, ("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.") is why MANAGERS make the decision for force an employee out. Or companies, if you choose to use that verbage.
If I am employed and I'm not doing a good job, I sure as heck wouldn't expect my employer to keep me on. I am not entitled to keep that job if I'm not performing up to standards, regardless of who I work for. And if I'm not doing my job or performing up to standards, I am not entitled to the company's respect. People usually get out of a job what they put into it.

One most certainly can offer apologies and still defend a company. I am sorry that this person lost their child. It's a very sad thing, and a shame.
However - blaming Disney for their insurance policy's benefit paid is misguided.

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.

Well said, Chuck.

 

[connorlevismom]

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.

This is not Disney - it is the corporate world. If you think this type of thing only happens at Disney, your totally wrong. The corporate world is a hard place to work and some people just cannot work in that environment. There are lots of expectations and if you cannot fulfill them, they will find someone that will. People are forced out because it is virtually impossible to fire someone these days. So they get them to quit. It is something that is used often in LOTS of companies, not just Disney.

I don't think that people are defending Disney, they are explaining that this is how business works.

Kristine

 

[remain seated please]

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.

In this forum, those who are critical of the Disney Company in any way are in the minority, and are constantly subject to condemnation by others. It's sad that so many people are so protective of the mouse and so quick to judge those who don't worship all things Disney.

If the company in question were Walmart, The Gap or McDonalds' nobody here would be defending them. But because it's Disney, and perhaps because it's being discussed on the DISboards, somehow Disney gets a pass. The hypocracy is palpable.

 

[sha_lyn]

If the company in question were Walmart, The Gap or McDonalds' nobody here would be defending them. But because it's Disney, and perhaps because it's being discussed on the DISboards, somehow Disney gets a pass. The hypocracy is palpable.

Sorry, but you are dead wrong.
The most recent thread that comes to mind is a thread about a Walmart employee that was in a car accident. Her medical insurance paid her medical bills, but the accident wasn't her fault. Eventually she received a huge settlement (I bleieve it was a settlement and didn't go to court)from the car insurance for the person that hit her. Her medical insurance did what is normal and expected. They wanted to be reimbursed for her medical expenses.
Many of us replied that it was a normal standard practice and was most likely outlined by every medical policy held by anyone on the DIS. Walmart/the insurance company dropped the case because of the negative publicity.
The Po's case is very similar. While I am so sorry for the loss of the Po's son, Disney is not at fault in this at all. FMLA does not apply, and most life insurance policies will not pay out 100% for an infant under 6 months and/or for a policy that is new (the time limit varies).

 

[remain seated please]

This is not Disney - it is the corporate world. If you think this type of thing only happens at Disney, your totally wrong. The corporate world is a hard place to work and some people just cannot work in that environment. There are lots of expectations and if you cannot fulfill them, they will find someone that will. People are forced out because it is virtually impossible to fire someone these days. So they get them to quit. It is something that is used often in LOTS of companies, not just Disney.

I don't think that people are defending Disney, they are explaining that this is how business works.

Kristine

It's funny how in 99% of all corporations are viewed as evil because of their business practices and the way they supposedly treat their employees. They are criticized because they are greedy and don't care about anything besides making money.

But when Disney is in the wrong, it is justified as "how business works" or as "part of being a corporation" or (my personal favorite), "that's what the shareholders expect".

I know of a lot of companies that actually invest in their employees. Companies that believe in developing people, rather than just writing them off. Disney believes in bullying and beating down their employees. The company is arrogant to its core and they don't believe in feedback because they are always right in everything they do. That is today's Disney. It's not the Disney that I once loved. The company with the treasured past is not the enduring company it once was. The company once was the standard for excellence in corporate America. It's too bad that today, words like enduring, great and excellence can only be used to describe Disney's past.

 

[Chuck S]

It's funny how in 99% of all corporations are viewed as evil because of their business practices and the way they supposedly treat their employees. They are criticized because they are greedy and don't care about anything besides making money.

But when Disney is in the wrong, it is justified as "how business works" or as "part of being a corporation" or (my personal favorite), "that's what the shareholders expect".

I know of a lot of companies that actually invest in their employees. Companies that believe in developing people, rather than just writing them off. Disney believes in bullying and beating down their employees. The company is arrogant to its core and they don't believe in feedback because they are always right in everything they do. That is today's Disney. It's not the Disney that I once loved. The company with the treasured past is not the enduring company it once was. The company once was the standard for excellence in corporate America. It's too bad that today, words like enduring, great and excellence can only be used to describe Disney's past.

Oh please! Do you honestly think the investment houses want to "protect the Disney dream?" Why do you think they were recommending a vote against M. Eisner? Do you think it was because Roy asked them to do so? It was because the stock and profits were underperforming, and had been for a while.

 

[remain seated please]

Oh please! Do you honestly think the investment houses want to "protect the Disney dream?" Why do you think they were recommending a vote against M. Eisner? Do you think it was because Roy asked them to do so? It was because the stock and profits were underperforming, and had been for a while.

As far as the corporate greed thing goes. It is what it is. I will concede your point. My points all along have been (A) that Disney has a history of mis-treating their employees. There as been debate on this thread as to the legitimacy of the OP. But other examples have been cited here. (B) Disney has become a symbol of corporate greed. There is nothing that can be done about that. It is obvious that investors think only with their wallets and don't care about the history of this company. I think somewhere in your opinion, you agree with me on that point.

If investors want Disney to sacrafice quality for profits, they (and Disney) will eventually pay a price for that. Or they may reap rewards from it if the company is ever sold. I don't see how the company's mistreatment of employess has anything to do with it's own financial performance other than the fact that it costs them more money to keep replacing people.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

It's funny how in 99% of all corporations are viewed as evil because of their business practices and the way they supposedly treat their employees. They are criticized because they are greedy and don't care about anything besides making money.

But when Disney is in the wrong, it is justified as "how business works" or as "part of being a corporation" or (my personal favorite), "that's what the shareholders expect".

I know of a lot of companies that actually invest in their employees. Companies that believe in developing people, rather than just writing them off. Disney believes in bullying and beating down their employees. The company is arrogant to its core and they don't believe in feedback because they are always right in everything they do. That is today's Disney. It's not the Disney that I once loved. The company with the treasured past is not the enduring company it once was. The company once was the standard for excellence in corporate America. It's too bad that today, words like enduring, great and excellence can only be used to describe Disney's past.

I know you and I have disagreed on other topics (mainly the Disney Stores), but after reading the bolded text above, I must ask if you don't like the current Disney, why are you bothering to waste your time reading a Disney message board? I'm sure there are forums on the web that discuss Disney's past, maybe you would be happier reading them. Just a suggestion. I love Disney past and I embrace the future of the company. That is why I still love and will always love working for them.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I know you and I have disagreed on other topics (mainly the Disney Stores), but after reading the bolded text above, I must ask if you don't like the current Disney, why are you bothering to waste your time reading a Disney message board? I'm sure there are forums on the web that discuss Disney's past, maybe you would be happier reading them. Just a suggestion. I love Disney past and I embrace the future of the company. That is why I still love and will always love working for them.

So because we may not embrace the current Disney we must just quit being fans? Why?

Disney is a lot like The United States. They were both put together so soundly, based on such fantastic premises and principles, by great and intelligent men with unfathomable foresight that the basic philosophy endures far longer than it would normally be reasonable to expect.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

So because we may not embrace the current Disney we must just quit being fans? Why?

Disney is a lot like The United States. They were both put together so soundly, based on such fantastic premises and principles, by great and intelligent men with unfathomable foresight that the basic philosophy endures far longer than it would normally be reasonable to expect.

No, I didn't say that. What I said was that that particular poster maybe happier if they didn't read forums such as this one that focuses on current Disney, not past Disney.

I love the company but does everything they do make me happy? No way! Trust me, there are plenty of things that I don't like, however I have always been the type of person to look past things and focus on the positive and not the negative. I guess that I why I still support the company. I have met so many wonderful CMs who truly embrace Walt's spirit and share the love of Disney that I do. I have also met CMs who could care less and are just working at Disney because it's a job. I like to focus on those who love Disney like I do and make the parks and the stores come alive everyday.

 

[Disney Doll]

I have different expectations of my employer, I guess.

They are not my fmaily, I do not expect them to be my family or to love me like my family does.

I expect them to treat me fairly and legally.

I have no expectation that I am in any way, shape or form irreplaceable. I am quite aware that if, for some reason, my employment there was becoming an "issue", that I would be let go.

I try to be abreast of my benefits. I do my best job when I am there, but I in no way believe that I am indispensable to the company.

If I am happen to luck out and get an understanding boss, then it's "gravy".

 

[remain seated please]

The company is arrogant to its core and they don't believe in feedback because they are always right in everything they do. That is today's Disney. It's not the Disney that I once loved. The company with the treasured past is not the enduring company it once was. The company once was the standard for excellence in corporate America. It's too bad that today, words like enduring, great and excellence can only be used to describe Disney's past.

This is an example of typical Disney behavior. The mentality across the board is pretty much the same. "If you don't like Disney, why are you here?" My opinion (as highlighted above) could not have possibly been confirmed any better than the respons below...

I must ask if you don't like the current Disney, why are you bothering to waste your time reading a Disney message board? I'm sure there are forums on the web that discuss Disney's past, maybe you would be happier reading them. Just a suggestion. I love Disney past and I embrace the future of the company. That is why I still love and will always love working for them.

I am very sorry that you feel I am bitter and angry towards Disney. None of which are true, as I have told you in other threads. But as is typical Disney behavior, you don't listen to differing opinions and you choose to only believe what you want to. You see Disney's world through rose colored glasses and unfortunately your vision (and judgement) are clouded. Do you think Disney will reward you for your devotion? If so, think again. One of these days, you too will see Disney for what it really is. And when that day comes, there's no doubt that you will use these boards to share your views. I won't criticize you or say I was right. I will just thank you for opening your eyes.

 

[WDSearcher]

In this forum, those who are critical of the Disney Company in any way are in the minority, and are constantly subject to condemnation by others. It's sad that so many people are so protective of the mouse and so quick to judge those who don't worship all things Disney.

If the company in question were Walmart, The Gap or McDonalds' nobody here would be defending them. But because it's Disney, and perhaps because it's being discussed on the DISboards, somehow Disney gets a pass. The hypocracy is palpable.

Well ... hi, but these are the DIS boards. A bulletin board system set up specifically for people who LOVE DISNEY. What did you expect? If the "hypocracy (sic) is palpable", and it disgusts you, then you are free to leave and find the anti-Disney boards, of which there are several. Then you can rant to your heart's delight, surrounded by people who are angry with, bitter about, and hold no love for all things Disney. But to be surprised that more people here love Disney than hate Disney? That's a little naive and unrealistic, isn't it?

No ... people probably would NOT be defending Walmart, The Gap or McDonald's here because these are not the Walmart, Gap or McDonald's boards. But if you go to places that are heavily traveled by fans of those companies (as this place is by fans of Disney), you would find the same type of behavior there. Surely you can see that?

 

[WDSearcher]

Disney believes in bullying and beating down their employees. The company is arrogant to its core and they don't believe in feedback because they are always right in everything they do. That is today's Disney. It's not the Disney that I once loved. The company with the treasured past is not the enduring company it once was. The company once was the standard for excellence in corporate America. It's too bad that today, words like enduring, great and excellence can only be used to describe Disney's past.

Not true. If Disney was as horrible as you say, why would there be literally thousands of people celebrating 10, 15 and 20 years with the company every year?

I don't doubt that there are some people who had Disney jobs that were less magical than they'd anticipated or that Disney has made mistakes along the way in retaining or managing its employees. Show me a company that's perfect 100% of the time, please. Even the best places -- Google, Pixar, etc -- have disgruntled former employees who believe they were screwed over by their employer. It happens everywhere. Even Walt had employees who were scared of him, didn't like him, and quit because of how he treated them. His animators went on strike because they felt they were being taken advantage of, and he fired a batch of them (who later went off and set up their own animation houses). The man was known as a tough businessman and a tougher boss. It wasn't all peaches and cream back in Walt's time either.

Obviously, you've had a bad personal experience working in either the parks or the Disney Store. And I'm sorry for that. But please don't presume that all of us who work for Disney have been beaten down by an arrogant company and not allowed feedback or growth. Some of us -- many of us -- have had remarkable, amazing and magical careers here. Please don't lump all of the company into one heap simply because it didn't work out for you.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I am very sorry that you feel I am bitter and angry towards Disney. None of which are true, as I have told you in other threads. But as is typical Disney behavior, you don't listen to differing opinions and you choose to only believe what you want to. You see Disney's world through rose colored glasses and unfortunately your vision (and judgement) are clouded. Do you think Disney will reward you for your devotion? If so, think again. One of these days, you too will see Disney for what it really is. And when that day comes, there's no doubt that you will use these boards to share your views. I won't criticize you or say I was right. I will just thank you for opening your eyes.

I have listened to your differing opinion, I've even agreed with you a few times, but overall I don't agree with you. Does that make me have poor judgment and an arrogant person, I don't think so. It just means that we don't agree.

Do I think Disney will reward me for my devotion? Absolutely. They already have rewarded me with too many things to even list on this site. I have memories that will last a life time, opportunities that I never imagined I would ever have in my life and because of Disney and the experience I gained there, I have my full time job.

I have been with Disney for 9 years and I'm not planning on going anywhere. Call it me having my 'head stuck in the pixie dust' or seeing through my rose colored glasses, I don't really care. I am happy where I am. Hopefully you are happier now that you are not with Disney.

 

[connorlevismom]

I am very sorry that you feel I am bitter and angry towards Disney. None of which are true, as I have told you in other threads. But as is typical Disney behavior, you don't listen to differing opinions and you choose to only believe what you want to. You see Disney's world through rose colored glasses and unfortunately your vision (and judgement) are clouded. Do you think Disney will reward you for your devotion? If so, think again. One of these days, you too will see Disney for what it really is. And when that day comes, there's no doubt that you will use these boards to share your views. I won't criticize you or say I was right. I will just thank you for opening your eyes.

First off, if you go back and read your posts, you will see why people think your bitter and angry.

Second, it happens to be YOU that is not listening to differing opinions. How many people have posted that this is not just Disney, that it is the corporate world or how business works. YOU are the one arguing the point that Disney should be different than "other" companies. I just have to ask why that is. Because they are Disney? Hate to tell you but Disney is a business! I don't understand exactly what it is that you expect from them. If your manager was an *** to you, then that sounds to me like it is a manager problem, not a Disney problem.

You clearly are agitated about your experience with Disney and I am sorry for that. But your being a bit dramatic with your posts and acting as if Disney is the anti-christ. Having worked in the corporate world for 15 years, I can tell you that this is how it works in large corporations. I am NOt defending Disney, I am telling you that this is how things work. If you don't like it or can't handle it, then don't work in the corporate world.

Kristine

 

[remain seated please]

I guess we all have to agree to disagree on our very different views about Disney.

What troubles me is how some of you feel the need to tell me to go somewhere else. Just because we don't agree on everything doesn't mean that the person who has a dissenting opinion must leave. Maybe some of you prefer a world where everybody sits in a circle, holding hands, singing "It's A Small World After All".

If attacking people like myself and Peter Pirate for having different views is what makes you happy, have fun. But those attacks are not in the "Disney Way" that you all so boldly (and blindly) embrace. If you feel I have attacked you, go back and re-read the posts, followed by your replies. And then consider who has been more personal. Better yet, just move on.

 

[Mom2Nick]

Yoru arrogance is the issue - not the message.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I guess we all have to agree to disagree on our very different views about Disney.

What troubles me is how some of you feel the need to tell me to go somewhere else. Just because we don't agree on everything doesn't mean that the person who has a dissenting opinion must leave. Maybe some of you prefer a world where everybody sits in a circle, holding hands, singing "It's A Small World After All".

If attacking people like myself and Peter Pirate for having different views is what makes you happy, have fun. But those attacks are not in the "Disney Way" that you all so boldly (and blindly) embrace. If you feel I have attacked you, go back and re-read the posts, followed by your replies. And then consider who has been more personal. Better yet, just move on.

I'm not telling you what to do...trust me. I'm suggesting that if these threads seem to upset you so much, maybe you would enjoy another site better. It's just a suggestion. I enjoy Disney, past and present so I enjoy visiting these boards. I could care less if you continue to read these boards - you're free to do what you want to do, but I'm also free to make a suggestion.

OK...personal attacks...let's see:

You see Disney's world through rose colored glasses and unfortunately your vision (and judgement) are clouded.

That was what you said regarding one of my posts. You are practically attacking my judgment telling me that I see through rose colored glasses and that I'm arrogant because I didn't agree with you. I don't believe I have ever truly said anything along these lines to you. If I have, I'm very sorry. Just because I still believe in the magic of Disney doesn't mean that I have bad judgment (like I feel you implied).

Pirate Peter:
I'm also sorry if I said anything to you that you may have considered an attack.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

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.

my friend did not work at the store.. she had transfered from the store to the parks.. she was with the parks for at least 8 years prior to this happening. So yeah, it happens at the parks too.. maybe it is the luck of the draw as you say.. maybe the luck of the draw in getting a good manager. That is what our's boiled down to. The manager is the one that made the decisions... I had a terrrible manager. However, what comes around goes around too.. She ended up in a bind herself. When she finally did have a child and child-care became an issue for her, she ended up having to leave the company as well. Seems the company wasn't willing to work with her either I did get a good laugh out of it when the remaining workers (friends) at the store told me what happened with her. You are fortunate so far. Like I said, I do know several that have had bad experiences.. some have worked at the store, some in the parks, some at CRO, some in the hotels.... so it isn't just the stores. It is the company.. but it does in fact boil down to the manager (but they do represent the company)