OMG!Angry Cast Memembers and Picketers

[ploeb]

I agree that wearing costumes and picketing at 6am is a downer, but I might be in the minority here because I would not punish them for doing so. It looks like they took a really tough hit on their health care benefits in January and I hope there are enough people out there noticing/supporting them that they can get something worked out.

One thing I hate more than seeing Cinderella holding a picket sign is knowing that when I see her in the park she is extremely underpaid and now lost her benefits. I know kids don't get that, so I can see where some parents are coming from.

Again, I get that, but I doubt "Cinderella cares that I have saved since May 2007, for this tripOr that we pay $251.00 a night to stay on-site. If she is unhappy...work somewhere else. This situation is between her and Management,not me and my 6 year old. And 6am is plain stupid, my husband works 6 days a week, the last thing he wants to do is wake up during our "Relaxing Family Vacation", to honking horns and pots and pans banging.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

Again, I get that, but I doubt "Cinderella cares that I have saved since May 2007, for this tripOr that we pay $251.00 a night to stay on-site. If she is unhappy...work somewhere else. This situation is between her and Management,not me and my 6 year old. And 6am is plain stupid, my husband works 6 days a week, the last thing he wants to do is wake up during our "Relaxing Family Vacation", to honking horns and pots and pans banging.

i have to say I would be very angry I am sorry for them but that is outragioues if your paying that much...dannng i dont think so

 

[ploeb]

i have to say I would be very angry I am sorry for them but that is outragioues if your paying that much...dannng i dont think so

Im sorry...what is "dannng"-someones screen name maybe??? Yes, I hate paying that much. But my kids love the hotel, and we give up other things to do this every year. So this is alot of where my anger comes in

 

[JadeDarkstar]

dang(spilt pepsi few days ago my keys have started sticking when i type fast)

 

[scooter15]

I had a friend who was a CM she was a manager, she told me they had to be to work an hr early and in their ready room. they didn't get paid for it.

Just like any other job. I'm in management and so is DH and we are expected to be ready for work the time we are scheduled to work. If that means coming in a bit early, then you do it. But as far as DL is concerned, I thought that costumed CMs took their costumes home now so they didn't have to be at the park an hour early just to change. But like any other job, you have to be at your work "station" at starting time.

 

[dhlovesbelle]

my friend was in DL during the week of June 15 and stayed at Paradise Pier. I couldn't believe it when she told me about the pots and pans banging so bright and early. She also had some jewelry stolen out of her room and was only compensated a $30 gift card to the gift shops. I felt bad for her especially since all I did for the month leading up to her vacation was really talk it up. I mean DL should be the happiest place on earth and it's unfortunate that she didn't have the best experience. Hopefully all of the negotiations will be taken care of soon for all those involved.

 

[Sy-]

But like any other job, you have to be at your work "station" at starting time.

I'm guessing it works a little different at DL. The CM who dress up in costumes are probably given time to get ready and get to their location. It bet it would take a lot of time for the face characters to put on their makeup and do their hair the way Disney wants it. Not to mention getting to your station could take some time too. I doubt there are any timeclocks on Main St.

Next time you are in WDW do the keys to the kingdon tour. They take you behind the scenes and in the labyrinth of tunnels under the Magic Kingdom. They also took us to the costume room where they have hundreds of Mickey costumes alone, hanging and ready to go. Its unbelivable.

 

[Albort]

I'm guessing it works a little different at DL. The CM who dress up in costumes are probably given time to get ready and get to their location. It bet it would take a lot of time for the face characters to put on their makeup and do their hair the way Disney wants it. Not to mention getting to your station could take some time too. I doubt there are any timeclocks on Main St.

Next time you are in WDW do the keys to the kingdon tour. They take you behind the scenes and in the labyrinth of tunnels under the Magic Kingdom. They also took us to the costume room where they have hundreds of Mickey costumes alone, hanging and ready to go. Its unbelivable.

That is incorrect, CMs are to arrive at station in costume with their required wears. This also means that if theres a parade, CMs need to quickly find a way around it as well and usually, CMs do get marked late if they just show up 1 min late unfortunately, varies by that day's managers/leads. CMs do however receive a 20 min walk to going home.

As for face characters, yes, they show up in the regular clothing, clock in, go into makeup and dressing.

 

[dalepool]

Staying at a hotel that is having a full blown stike or an informational strike is annoying. But if this was not done we as patrons of Disney would not know how employees are being treated, as far as wages and benefits.

I think the CM would jsut like a fair raise that does not end up costing them medical and other benefits. I would not want to take a raise that pays me additional 3 dollars an hour if I lose same or more in employee benefits.

The good thing is they got our attention and we are talking about their stike. I am sure a few guests might call to cancel their reservation. But then again it is funny Disneyland is the only vacation where I get up early so I can walk 10+ miles in a day. Not only do I do that once but more then likely 3+ days in a row. I do admit lids and pans clanging are the same as a wake up call from mickey.

 

[RudemanRB]

Just like any other job. I'm in management and so is DH and we are expected to be ready for work the time we are scheduled to work. If that means coming in a bit early, then you do it. But as far as DL is concerned, I thought that costumed CMs took their costumes home now so they didn't have to be at the park an hour early just to change. But like any other job, you have to be at your work "station" at starting time.

There's being ready, and then there's being told you must be here and Hr early (and we're not going to pay you)

I can understand if she's was asked to come in early but she was told. and she's wasn't a Costumed CM. she worked in the toon town.

(1hr till I leave for WDW woohoo!!)


Rudy

 

[krisces]

Having read thru all of the posts, I want to say I feel sorry for the workers, but I want to get to another point of this story for me.......

IMO, and I mean my opinion - I booked a room at Paradise Pier and am paying over $500 - for 2 nights (no tickets)! I was not told by the Reservation agent that there is an issue with employees, and that I might get a rude awakening at 6am.

Talk about misleading! Disney should - 1. Tell clients what is going on, and that they might get a wake up call that isn't from Mickey or 2. Reduce the price of the room during this work action.

Should I cancel my reservations? And in the process tell them why???

It really takes some of the pixie dust out of the "Happiest Place on Earth". And really, these employees do work their hearts out every day!

 

[ploeb]

You know what I think that guests who already have a reservation for a room at the PPH should do, ask to be placed at the Grand or at the Disney Hotel, for the same price and same type of room, sounds fair! From what I heard the week I was there you couldn't hear the ruckus going on across from the Pier. As far as people getting up early for Magical Mornings, your particular hotel (ie: all 3 hotels) has certain days to do this. I don't rush for Magical Mornings, and while I bet ALOT of people do, I'm not one of them, and know alot of people who don't. And by the way.. you cant even eat at 6am at the park-let alone get into the park And, I am not saying the CMs don't deserve their raise.... They Do! I just think, my family and I deserve(and all the other family's), the vacation we planned 11 months for-we deserve to EXPECT the right to sleep in with out a bunch of people disrupting our sleep, and my kids and all the other children who witnessed this shameful behavior,deserve to keep their innocence by believing in something like a wizard:

 

[JadeDarkstar]

umm any who are un happy go to hojos ???
lol maybe that will teach them. Ok it was a joke and I am sorry for the workers. but i have to agree that me and my family and all the others and kids do deserve and expect the rights to sleep and to keep the magic pixie dust over our kids eyes for as long as we can..and kids who saw workers dressed up in coustumes..well it could ruine the magic for them.

 

[scooter15]

There's being ready, and then there's being told you must be here and Hr early (and we're not going to pay you)

I can understand if she's was asked to come in early but she was told. and she's wasn't a Costumed CM. she worked in the toon town.

(1hr till I leave for WDW woohoo!!)


Rudy

If she is a union member then she needs to get them involved. If she isn't she needs to talk to HR, especially if she is an hourly worker. If she's salaried then that's another story. I have had experience being an ex CM with HR and they will help with this. This is a big thing...look what happened to WalMart and the OT issues.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I have contemplated trying to add something productive to this discussion or just stay out of it completely, but as I re-read some points made, I realized that some basic facts need clarifying and a few comments are urging me to comment. I apologize if it's a little long, but I just thought I'd put them all into 1 post.

I would be really mad about being woken up early on a vacation, but having to explain to a kid who still believes those are the actual character and that you brought in part to see their favorite characters what that is all about would be the worst.

While we don't know exactly what the CMs are fighting for, most likely it includes pay, benefits, and working conditions (hours, breaks, etc...). Yes, being awakened on vacation by others troubles is not a happy experience. However, these are fellow human beings fighting for what they need for their family's basic needs. While those on vacation may have to explain to a child why someone dressed like Cinderella (note: NOT Cinderella) is walking in front of her/his hotel at 6am, another someone who works hard 5 days a week while away from their kids has to explain to THEIR child why Mickey won't help Mommy or Daddy pay for going to the doctor (or whatever they may be fighting for). I wouldn't want to have to decide which discussion is harder to have with a 5 year old.

Oh and another thing, these people are the housekeeping and hotel cooking staff. If you are mad and want to get your point across, leave a note for your housekeeping people at the end of your trip informing them that you, will not be, and have not been tipping them because of the discourteous noise they have been making at 6 in the morning!

What would you suggest writing? "Dear Sue: While my family was able to spend $5,000 on a dream vacation of a lifetime, we were upset to be pulled from our sleep at 6am by you and your co-workers who earn $7/hour to make my bed each morning in an effort to support your own family. While I understand that you are fighting for basic needs to keep a roof over your family, I really wanted an extra hour sleep today. I understand that with gas prices being over $4/gallon in CA you may spend as much as $10-20 in gas to get to and from work everyday (to earn $56 pre-tax over 8 hours work), but this was my vacation. We have spent your tip money on a few extra balloons for our kids. Best regards."???

They are human beings too.

(Yes, all numbers used in my examples are estimates. Although they are probably very close, they are not true numbers as I have no knowledge of what they would be...except the gas prices. LOL)

thank god my son dosnet like balloons any more

Thank you for a much needed laugh mid-way through this thread!

...If she is unhappy...work somewhere else. ...And 6am is plain stupid...

Finding other employment may not be so easy. The economy is not the greatest right now. 6am might be necessary so they can be in our rooms, cleaning our bathrooms, making our beds, and making our vacation wonderful by 9am.

...I had a friend who was a CM she was a manager, she told me they had to be to work an hr early and in their ready room. they didn't get paid for it....

Just like any other job.... We are expected to be ready for work the time we are scheduled to work. If that means coming in a bit early, then you do it. ...I thought that costumed CMs took their costumes home now so they didn't have to be at the park an hour early just to change. But like any other job, you have to be at your work "station" at starting time.

If she is a union member then she needs to get them involved....

I would like to try to offer some facts here.

As Scooter15 stated, yes, many CMs at Disneyland are allowed to take their costumes home. HOWEVER...

A Disneyland CM must allow considerable extra (unpaid) time to get to work. If they drive to work, they must first arrive at an off-site CM parking lot. They then must wait for a shuttle, leaving extra time of course for just missing a shuttle. Then, they must walk to their location within Disneyland. Next, if they bring anything at all to work with them, they must go to a locker. THEN, they can clock in at their designated area, within 1 minute of their start time. Add into that - if anything is not right with their costume, they must allow time get a new one.

Again, this is all done during NON-paid time. Every day.

I have had many jobs in my life. Not one required so much "pre-time" to arrive at my work station, ready to work on time... with a smile.

We may not want to think about it while enjoying ourselves at the Park, but those who are making our vacations and memories so incredible when carefully handing our family member a coveted red Mickey balloon do have real lives that they need to protect when on their own time. Both the guests and the CMs at the hotels are in a tough spot at the moment.

- Dreams

P.S. No, I do not work at the hotels at Disneyland (just in case anyone wanted to know).

 

[Sy-]

Oh and another thing, these people are the housekeeping and hotel cooking staff. If you are mad and want to get your point across, leave a note for your housekeeping people at the end of your trip informing them that you, will not be, and have not been tipping them because of the discourteous noise they have been making at 6 in the morning!

What would you suggest writing? "Dear Sue: While my family was able to spend $5,000 on a dream vacation of a lifetime, we were upset to be pulled from our sleep at 6am by you and your co-workers who earn $7/hour to make my bed each morning in an effort to support your own family. While I understand that you are fighting for basic needs to keep a roof over your family, I really wanted an extra hour sleep today. I understand that with gas prices being over $4/gallon in CA you may spend as much as $10-20 in gas to get to and from work everyday (to earn $56 pre-tax over 8 hours work), but this was my vacation. We have spent your tip money on a few extra balloons for our kids. Best regards."???

They are human beings too.

No my letter would probably go something like this: "Dear Sue, My family has worked hard saving up $5000 to spend on a dream vacation here at the Disneyland Resort only to have it ruined by you and your fellow union members. While I understand that you and your union are in a contract dispute with Disneyland management, I find it unfair to use my family and fellow visitors to this resort as pawns in your contract negotiations. To purposefully wake us up in the early hours and then expect a tip after you service our room in not only rude but it is insulting. Here is your tip: If your union officials think that biting the hand that ultimately feed them is a good idea then you and your fellow union members should seek new representation. Good luck in the future!"

That is what my letter WILL say if they are still protesting when I am there in Oct. Tell me something Disney Dreams... If you found out that your waiter spit in your food, would you still tip him?

 

[SeattleGirl]

No my letter would probably go something like this: "Dear Sue, My family has worked hard saving up $5000 to spend on a dream vacation here at the Disneyland Resort only to have it ruined by you and your fellow union members. While I understand that you and your union are in a contract dispute with Disneyland management, I find it unfair to use my family and fellow visitors to this resort as pawns in your contract negotiations. To purposefully wake us up in the early hours and then expect a tip after you service our room in not only rude but it is insulting. Here is your tip: If your union officials think that biting the hand that ultimately feed them is a good idea then you and your fellow union members should seek new representation. Good luck in the future!"

That is what my letter WILL say if they are still protesting when I am there in Oct. Tell me something Disney Dreams... If you found out that your waiter spit in your food, would you still tip him?

When I first read this post (and the poster's previous comment) I was rather appalled. Then, I remembered that Dateline episode where the housekeepers were caught scrubbing the toilet with the same towel they used to clean the coffee pot and it struck me - karma takes its own course.

I thought Dreams post was well thought out, as are several others here. I hope this thread has raised the awareness level of those of us who are lucky enough to enjoy the parks.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I have contemplated trying to add something productive to this discussion or just stay out of it completely, but as I re-read some points made, I realized that some basic facts need clarifying and a few comments are urging me to comment. I apologize if it's a little long, but I just thought I'd put them all into 1 post.


While we don't know exactly what the CMs are fighting for, most likely it includes pay, benefits, and working conditions (hours, breaks, etc...). Yes, being awakened on vacation by others troubles is not a happy experience. However, these are fellow human beings fighting for what they need for their family's basic needs. While those on vacation may have to explain to a child why someone dressed like Cinderella (note: NOT Cinderella) is walking in front of her/his hotel at 6am, another someone who works hard 5 days a week while away from their kids has to explain to THEIR child why Mickey won't help Mommy or Daddy pay for going to the doctor (or whatever they may be fighting for). I wouldn't want to have to decide which discussion is harder to have with a 5 year old.


What would you suggest writing? "Dear Sue: While my family was able to spend $5,000 on a dream vacation of a lifetime, we were upset to be pulled from our sleep at 6am by you and your co-workers who earn $7/hour to make my bed each morning in an effort to support your own family. While I understand that you are fighting for basic needs to keep a roof over your family, I really wanted an extra hour sleep today. I understand that with gas prices being over $4/gallon in CA you may spend as much as $10-20 in gas to get to and from work everyday (to earn $56 pre-tax over 8 hours work), but this was my vacation. We have spent your tip money on a few extra balloons for our kids. Best regards."???

They are human beings too.

(Yes, all numbers used in my examples are estimates. Although they are probably very close, they are not true numbers as I have no knowledge of what they would be...except the gas prices. LOL)



Thank you for a much needed laugh mid-way through this thread!


Finding other employment may not be so easy. The economy is not the greatest right now. 6am might be necessary so they can be in our rooms, cleaning our bathrooms, making our beds, and making our vacation wonderful by 9am.





I would like to try to offer some facts here.

As Scooter15 stated, yes, many CMs at Disneyland are allowed to take their costumes home. HOWEVER...

A Disneyland CM must allow considerable extra (unpaid) time to get to work. If they drive to work, they must first arrive at an off-site CM parking lot. They then must wait for a shuttle, leaving extra time of course for just missing a shuttle. Then, they must walk to their location within Disneyland. Next, if they bring anything at all to work with them, they must go to a locker. THEN, they can clock in at their designated area, within 1 minute of their start time. Add into that - if anything is not right with their costume, they must allow time get a new one.

Again, this is all done during NON-paid time. Every day.

I have had many jobs in my life. Not one required so much "pre-time" to arrive at my work station, ready to work on time... with a smile.

We may not want to think about it while enjoying ourselves at the Park, but those who are making our vacations and memories so incredible when carefully handing our family member a coveted red Mickey balloon do have real lives that they need to protect when on their own time. Both the guests and the CMs at the hotels are in a tough spot at the moment.

- Dreams

P.S. No, I do not work at the hotels at Disneyland (just in case anyone wanted to know).

Okay, used to work for Disneyland as a Character years and years ago. . .I knew EXACTLY what was expected of be BEFORE I accepted employment (including the unpaid time it takes me to get to my "duty" station). If I had not known this before I accepted the job then I can understand complaining about it. But I knew beforehand. As for the picketers. . .they are NOT Characters or Park Employees. . .they are housekeeping and other hotel staff. I have no issues with them picketing. . .I think this is their right as Americans. However, I do have issues with them doing this at 6 a.m. The people staying at this hotel should have some rights as well as the picketers. I believe that there are noise restrictions in the city of Anaheim just as there are in other cities in California. . .If I am correct, the noise restrictions are usually from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. (it could be 7 a.m. but can't remember). So if they are making a racket at 6 a.m. and there are noise laws in Anaheim, then they are breaking the law. And although I believe in their rights to assembly, no one should be allowed to break laws for those rights. So, my question is. . .was it really 6 a.m.? Also, if the employees want us guests to respect them and their rights, they should also respect us. . .just general courtesy all the way around. . .

 

[krisces]

Okay, used to work for Disneyland as a Character years and years ago. . .I knew EXACTLY what was expected of be BEFORE I accepted employment (including the unpaid time it takes me to get to my "duty" station). If I had not known this before I accepted the job then I can understand complaining about it. But I knew beforehand. As for the picketers. . .they are NOT Characters or Park Employees. . .they are housekeeping and other hotel staff. I have no issues with them picketing. . .I think this is their right as Americans. However, I do have issues with them doing this at 6 a.m. The people staying at this hotel should have some rights as well as the picketers. I believe that there are noise restrictions in the city of Anaheim just as there are in other cities in California. . .If I am correct, the noise restrictions are usually from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. (it could be 7 a.m. but can't remember). So if they are making a racket at 6 a.m. and there are noise laws in Anaheim, then they are breaking the law. And although I believe in their rights to assembly, no one should be allowed to break laws for those rights. So, my question is. . .was it really 6 a.m.? Also, if the employees want us guests to respect them and their rights, they should also respect us. . .just general courtesy all the way around. . .

Well said! Bravo!!

 

[Disney Dreams]

...only to have it ruined by you and your fellow union members. While I understand that you and your union are in a contract dispute with Disneyland management, I find it unfair to use my family and fellow visitors to this resort as pawns in your contract negotiations...

If they were to go on strike, they would be holding your family as pawns. They are NOT on strike, they are picketing to have their wants recognized (which clearly is working given it is being discussed on a Disney-related message board by tourists with reservations at their hotel).

Tell me something Disney Dreams... If you found out that your waiter spit in your food, would you still tip him?

No, as that is disgusting and a danger to my family's health. A slightly early wake up call (and TRUST ME, I love my sleep!) is not. Having my hotel room cleaned and my housekeeping needs (extra towels, blankets, etc...) met
while a guest are still appreciated services - perhaps being provided by someone who has not banged together a pot and pan since their youth. (I would imagine not every member of the housekeeping still is responsible for the early alarm clock.)

...If I had not known this before I accepted the job then I can understand complaining about it.

I don't know anything about what they are picketing for, but the "pre-work" routine was provided for those who commented about disbelief that a CM would be asked to be on site an hour before work - not necessarily directly connected to the picketing.

I believe that there are noise restrictions in the city of Anaheim just as there are in other cities in California. . .If I am correct, the noise restrictions are usually from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. (it could be 7 a.m. but can't remember). So if they are making a racket at 6 a.m. and there are noise laws in Anaheim, then they are breaking the law. And although I believe in their rights to assembly, no one should be allowed to break laws for those rights.

I COMPLETELY agree with you. I don't know the laws for assembly in Anaheim, but I would be willing to bet if they were in violation of any law, Disney would have had the police remove them instantly.

Also, if the employees want us guests to respect them and their rights, they should also respect us. . .just general courtesy all the way around. . .

Agreed. It sounds like they are more trying to get people's attention over respect. Not sure that's the best approach in a labor dispute, but given the 6am wake up call, seems to be the case.

I thought Dreams post was well thought out, as are several others here. I hope this thread has raised the awareness level of those of us who are lucky enough to enjoy the parks.

Thanks. I know I consider myself very lucky to be able to enjoy the magic of Disneyland every time I catch that first glimpse of the castle when walking down Main Street. Breath-taking every time.