Disney World Employees Picket Park
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lockedoutlogic
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I completely agree...that is why the best days are in the rearviewmirror for disney.
they can't not have superior people and end up with anything more than a glorified carnival
CandyMandy
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If people think the stress on Disney labor is bad now, just wait. IMHO, we are not as far as we realize from a time when many front line CM jobs (particularly in ticketing, customer service and the running of many attractions) will be replaced by either self service technology or emerging generations of robots. Or put differently, the moment many functions can be capably served by a machine that doesn't take breaks, treat guests badly or complain, Disney will go there. The human element will eventually be reserved solely for positions where it adds true value.
Robots that don't treat people poorly sounds pretty good.
I still think we are a long way away from that especially at Disney.
Remember years ago before automatic gates were put in at the monorail stations, the idea was that they would eliminate the need for as many cast members and it would save on overheads.
I believe it didn't even last one day because people still need to know the answers to questions, they need directed for moving down lines, ramps for door assists and so on. So now you have automatic gates that open when a train comes in and you still need staff there to man them and run the station. People climbing over gates, somehow wandering into a place they shouldn't be things that a human can catch and correct.
Same thing for tickets, you will always need a human around for when there are issues, finger scans don't work, tickets are not valid etc etc a human can look at the situation and find a remedy and convey that to the guest.
Robots can only do what they are programmed to do, the amount of variables at a place like WDW are just too great to allow them to function in a practical way. Sure I will concede that jobs could be eliminated and replaced with computers to streamline some things and cut costs but I don't think real life CM's are going anywhere anytime soon.
Remember years ago before automatic gates were put in at the monorail stations, the idea was that they would eliminate the need for as many cast members and it would save on overheads.
I believe it didn't even last one day because people still need to know the answers to questions, they need directed for moving down lines, ramps for door assists and so on. So now you have automatic gates that open when a train comes in and you still need staff there to man them and run the station. People climbing over gates, somehow wandering into a place they shouldn't be things that a human can catch and correct.
Same thing for tickets, you will always need a human around for when there are issues, finger scans don't work, tickets are not valid etc etc a human can look at the situation and find a remedy and convey that to the guest.
Robots can only do what they are programmed to do, the amount of variables at a place like WDW are just too great to allow them to function in a practical way. Sure I will concede that jobs could be eliminated and replaced with computers to streamline some things and cut costs but I don't think real life CM's are going anywhere anytime soon.
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Which is an extremely short sighted viewpoint for any share holder to take. Unfortunately, over the last 20-30 years the entire culture has changed... You have to remember who some of the biggest shareholders are in a company... the CEOs and senior management. It wasn't as much that case before the 80's rolled around. Disney doesn't answer to the shareholders... the people who run it are out to make as much money as possible and don't care about anyone else. The shareholders reap the benefits... but I'll tell you right now... Those employees would be getting a LOT better deal if CEOs and Senior management were not allowed to own stock. It would never happen, but hey.
DisneyOhMy
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False.
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DisneyOhMy
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WDWKOOK
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Disney Union Leader Wants Second Vote
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...y-union-negotiations-20101209,0,1707575.story
By Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel
6:31 p.m. EST, December 9, 2010
The head of Walt Disney World's largest labor group called Thursday for a second vote on a contract that workers narrowly rejected eight weeks ago and criticized some fellow union leaders who are blocking another vote.
The move exposed the deepening fissures between the six unions that make up Disney World's Service Trades Council, which is deadlocked in its contract talks with the giant resort. Three of the six unions are pressing for another vote on what Disney says is its final offer, while the other three want to escalate pressure on the company in hopes of winning further concessions.
Harris Raynor, the council's president and head of its largest individual union, noted that more than 3,300 workers about 46 percent of those voting supported the contract proposal during an initial vote in mid-October. The final vote, according to multiple people familiar with the tallies, was 3,880 against the agreement versus 3,350 for it.
"Those 3,300 people who voted yes have rights. They and a lot of other people would like to vote again. And they're not being allowed to," Raynor said. "Not allowing people to vote, I think, is un-democratic."
Opponents said there is no reason to vote again unless Disney sweetens its offer. The resort has repeatedly said it will not add any more money to its proposal: a 42-month contract that would give $550 bonuses to all full-time employees and, for those not already at the top of their pay scales, raises of at least 3 percent in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
"Why would we vote on an offer that is less than what we already rejected?" said Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! Local 362, pointing out that Disney has withdrawn a $100 bonus for each full-time worker that it had promised had the contract been ratified on the first vote. "The workers already spoke. Democracy's already happened."
Frustrations are rising with no end in sight to the contract talks, which began in June but have now been stalled for two months. Meetings last week with a federal mediator proved fruitless.
Raynor, whose individual union, Workers United, SEIU Local 737, represents housekeepers, waiters, cooks and others at Disney, called the proposal on the table a fair offer. In addition to the guaranteed raises at a time when the region's unemployment rate is above 11 percent he said it includes scores of subtler benefits, from higher disability pay to a requirement that Disney provide slip-resistant shoes to employees who are required to wear them for their jobs, rather than forcing the workers to buy them.
He also noted that union negotiators successfully defeated unpopular proposals from Disney, such as eliminating pensions for new hires and replacing them with 401(k) investment accounts.
"I think that when you consider the full details of this contract and when it's properly explained to people I find that a number say this is a good contract and one they could support," Raynor said.
Transportation Communications International Union Local 1908, whose members range from monorail drivers to lifeguards, and International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 631, which represents stage hands, also say they want to hold a second vote.
"I've been doing this too long to jeopardize the livelihoods of people over somebody just wanting to get a pound of flesh out of the company," said Joe Condo of TCU Local 1908. Condo added that many workers automatically opposed the contract in October simply because they have historically voted against Disney's first offer.
Critics, however, have multiple complaints. Among them: The raises in the contract do not adequately offset rising health-insurance premiums. Over the course of the contract, employees enrolled in Disney's HMO plan would absorb increases ultimately ranging from $12 a week for employee-only coverage to $38 a week for family coverage.
Opponents also say the proposed contract is unfair to some workers because those in certain job classifications would get smaller raises than others. And they say it does not do enough for long-time workers at the top of their pay scales, who would get raises of less than 3 percent a year.
"I'm strongly opposed to voting it again," said Mike Stapleton, president of Teamsters Local 385, whose members range from bus drivers to costumed characters. "It's a democratic process, but you don't just keep voting and trying to get people to change their minds by wearing them out."
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, which represents merchandise and banquet workers and florists, is also opposed to another vote, as is Unite Here!, whose members include attraction workers, ticket takers and custodians.
The divisions extend into even seemingly more benign questions. Leaders with Unite Here! and the Teamsters, for example, voted this week against extending the council's current contract with Disney, though the other four unions agreed to continue it from Dec. 11 until Jan. 20. Letting the contract lapse would have freed the unions to engage in tougher tactics, such as striking or handing out leaflets to Disney World visitors, though it would also allow Disney to cease collecting union dues from workers, among other measures.
Disney, for its part, said that it has made a fair offer.
"We had hoped that the contract would be ratified by now, so that cast members could receive their bonuses before the end of the year," said Steve Eisenhardt, vice president of labor relations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "It's a good offer, guaranteeing competitive pay raises each of the next three years and a choice of affordable, high-quality health-care plans."
If the six unions remain deadlocked, the three that want to hold a second contract vote could force one because they represent more members Workers United alone represents approximately 40 percent of the council's eligible voters. But Raynor said he would prefer to avoid that approach.
Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...y-union-negotiations-20101209,0,1707575.story
By Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel
6:31 p.m. EST, December 9, 2010
The head of Walt Disney World's largest labor group called Thursday for a second vote on a contract that workers narrowly rejected eight weeks ago and criticized some fellow union leaders who are blocking another vote.
The move exposed the deepening fissures between the six unions that make up Disney World's Service Trades Council, which is deadlocked in its contract talks with the giant resort. Three of the six unions are pressing for another vote on what Disney says is its final offer, while the other three want to escalate pressure on the company in hopes of winning further concessions.
Harris Raynor, the council's president and head of its largest individual union, noted that more than 3,300 workers about 46 percent of those voting supported the contract proposal during an initial vote in mid-October. The final vote, according to multiple people familiar with the tallies, was 3,880 against the agreement versus 3,350 for it.
"Those 3,300 people who voted yes have rights. They and a lot of other people would like to vote again. And they're not being allowed to," Raynor said. "Not allowing people to vote, I think, is un-democratic."
Opponents said there is no reason to vote again unless Disney sweetens its offer. The resort has repeatedly said it will not add any more money to its proposal: a 42-month contract that would give $550 bonuses to all full-time employees and, for those not already at the top of their pay scales, raises of at least 3 percent in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
"Why would we vote on an offer that is less than what we already rejected?" said Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! Local 362, pointing out that Disney has withdrawn a $100 bonus for each full-time worker that it had promised had the contract been ratified on the first vote. "The workers already spoke. Democracy's already happened."
Frustrations are rising with no end in sight to the contract talks, which began in June but have now been stalled for two months. Meetings last week with a federal mediator proved fruitless.
Raynor, whose individual union, Workers United, SEIU Local 737, represents housekeepers, waiters, cooks and others at Disney, called the proposal on the table a fair offer. In addition to the guaranteed raises at a time when the region's unemployment rate is above 11 percent he said it includes scores of subtler benefits, from higher disability pay to a requirement that Disney provide slip-resistant shoes to employees who are required to wear them for their jobs, rather than forcing the workers to buy them.
He also noted that union negotiators successfully defeated unpopular proposals from Disney, such as eliminating pensions for new hires and replacing them with 401(k) investment accounts.
"I think that when you consider the full details of this contract and when it's properly explained to people I find that a number say this is a good contract and one they could support," Raynor said.
Transportation Communications International Union Local 1908, whose members range from monorail drivers to lifeguards, and International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 631, which represents stage hands, also say they want to hold a second vote.
"I've been doing this too long to jeopardize the livelihoods of people over somebody just wanting to get a pound of flesh out of the company," said Joe Condo of TCU Local 1908. Condo added that many workers automatically opposed the contract in October simply because they have historically voted against Disney's first offer.
Critics, however, have multiple complaints. Among them: The raises in the contract do not adequately offset rising health-insurance premiums. Over the course of the contract, employees enrolled in Disney's HMO plan would absorb increases ultimately ranging from $12 a week for employee-only coverage to $38 a week for family coverage.
Opponents also say the proposed contract is unfair to some workers because those in certain job classifications would get smaller raises than others. And they say it does not do enough for long-time workers at the top of their pay scales, who would get raises of less than 3 percent a year.
"I'm strongly opposed to voting it again," said Mike Stapleton, president of Teamsters Local 385, whose members range from bus drivers to costumed characters. "It's a democratic process, but you don't just keep voting and trying to get people to change their minds by wearing them out."
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, which represents merchandise and banquet workers and florists, is also opposed to another vote, as is Unite Here!, whose members include attraction workers, ticket takers and custodians.
The divisions extend into even seemingly more benign questions. Leaders with Unite Here! and the Teamsters, for example, voted this week against extending the council's current contract with Disney, though the other four unions agreed to continue it from Dec. 11 until Jan. 20. Letting the contract lapse would have freed the unions to engage in tougher tactics, such as striking or handing out leaflets to Disney World visitors, though it would also allow Disney to cease collecting union dues from workers, among other measures.
Disney, for its part, said that it has made a fair offer.
"We had hoped that the contract would be ratified by now, so that cast members could receive their bonuses before the end of the year," said Steve Eisenhardt, vice president of labor relations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "It's a good offer, guaranteeing competitive pay raises each of the next three years and a choice of affordable, high-quality health-care plans."
If the six unions remain deadlocked, the three that want to hold a second contract vote could force one because they represent more members Workers United alone represents approximately 40 percent of the council's eligible voters. But Raynor said he would prefer to avoid that approach.
Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.
WDWKOOK
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-union-contract-20101208,0,6699770.story
The six week extension runs through 1-20-11.
The six week extension runs through 1-20-11.
lockedoutlogic
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No...completely true.
After a relatively short while...your average higher exec or ceo in an american corporation has more than enough cash, liquidity, and stock options to buy anything they want 1000 over them and all their decendants...
But they continue to strive for more...why? because greed is good?
No...because our society is built on money = power. And that ugly little not-too-secret has grown in this country since we overtook the title of greatest economy around WWI...
so those execs continue to push for stock price...not because they want another Bentley....because the more money there is the more power they perceive themselves as having. It's power which equals ego...nothing more.
All money men (and women) are like this...there is no immunity.
So mikey eisner or big shot bobby having 500,000 stock options is horrible for the quality of the operation...but because of the perceived power it gives them...not the actual dollars.
The only way that Disney could regain any committment to quality and innovation at this juncture would be if it were taken private....which since ABC is nearly impossible.
Don't believe me...do some research on Four Seasons (now the hole in the middle of the donut at WDW) and see just what a couple of rich guys can do with a "quality" brand...if albeit a much smaller one.
skiingfast
<font color=teal>Has had no bacon<br><font color=b
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I know what they did. They brought in employees from 3rd world nations to staff their locations worldwide. They built many more locations. Is this different from the public Disney company?
International College Program (ICP's) and regular CP's which are being used to reduce permanent roles with benefits, it could be argued that they are doing something similar they are just not being as transparent and open about it.
lockedoutlogic
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The four seasons franchisees insisted on lower rates in the post 9/11 travel fallout...the company said no - sighting brand erosion and the cut in services that would have to follow with revenue down.
It took them into bankruptcy...but that line in the sand was enough to get Bill Gates and the Saudi involved.
yeah, they've built too many...but when they had the choice of financials over brand...damn the numbers...they picked brand.
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