Disney Workers protest at MCO

[dvc guy]

In today's USA e mail travel sectionl

Posted 10/26/2004 5:43 PM Updated 10/27/2004 10:24 AM


Disgruntled Disney workers give leaflets at tourist-heavy airport
ORLANDO (AP) — Walt Disney World's largest union, upset over stalled contract negotiations, took its arguments directly to tourists Tuesday, handing out leaflets at Orlando International Airport.
The Service Trades Council Union, representing 22,000 of the theme park's 53,000 employees, recently has taken to publicly showing its unhappiness over talks that began in March. Earlier this month, union leaders distributed fliers at the opening of a World of Disney store in New York and at a Disney on Ice show in Philadelphia.

"Our concern is to get a fair contract, and we will take our story wherever we have to, to whomever we have to, however we have to, to encourage Disney to be reasonable at the bargaining table," said Morty Miller, president of the union Unite Here! Local 362, one of six unions comprising the Service Trades Council Union.

Union officials oppose the elimination of some overtime provisions, a significant increase in the cost of health care insurance and a proposal that would prevent new hires from opting for a 401(k) plan instead of a pension plan.

Earlier this month, the union's workers — employed as everything from hotel maids to ticket-takers to costumed characters — resoundingly rejected Disney's last offer of a three-year contract.

Talks are to resume Wednesday, according to Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak. The old contract has been extended to Nov. 4.

"Right now, we're focusing on common ground," Polak said. "We'[ve] proposed a fair and competitive package. Unfortunately, these are difficult discussions, particularly when you're dealing with the national crisis of rising health care costs."


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Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

[sphere99]

oh great, I wait all my life for this trip and now it will be messed up

 

[Alaska Catdog]

But we have to remain positive. My DH and I arrive on the 4th for our 5 years delayed honeymoon. We've planned the trip of a lifetime and I am quaking at the thought of a strike impacting it. I am going to remain positive and hope that they get the contract they want. It's a minor hardship for me, but a huge hardship for the folks in the unions who are faced with huge healthcare costs. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they can reach an agreement.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I wonder where they were at in MCO. We flew out of MCO on Tuesday morning and didn't see anyone; of course we stayed at the Hyatt inside MCO so maybe the employees were outside somewhere. Hopefully this will be resolved soon!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Like I predicted earlier - see, no strike.
2) The union COULD NOT afford a strike.
3) It would absolutely break up the union!

4) At WDW, the union has little power
... in a strike WDW would replace the workers
... there are lots of folks to fill-in
... getting temporary workers isn't a problem
... too many people would gladly work at WDW
... workers would probably be permanently replaced
... in the end, no more union

5) This is just the way the world is today.
6) Things are changing and you must change or expire.
7) Tired and passé union "wishes" that must change
... being an adversary to management
... free, or limited cost, health insurance
... defined benefit retirement plans
... high annual salary increases
... strikes



PS - A few people carrying signs won't deter me or others from doing WDW. I don't think it will make any diofference in WDW attendance. Even union members I know say they wouldn't disappoint the kids because of a few pickets.

 

[JEANMR1]

I am arriving on Nov 4th too and would be sad if my vacation were affected. However, lets please try and remember that it is about the employees and them trying to get 'fair' compensation. Note - I put the word 'fair' in quotes as I have no idea of the negotiation and I don't know the specifics of it to pass any personal judgement on it.