On Strike as of Today 5/28 at SWAN/DOLPHIN

[Tony P. IL.]

Dolphin, Swan workers go on strike

The Associated Press
Posted May 28, 2002, 11:01 AM EDT


LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Hundreds of workers at two hotels on Walt Disney World property went on strike Tuesday in what is the first strike in years in Orlando's tourism industry.

Teamsters-affiliated housekeepers, laundry workers, seamstresses and public area attendants at The Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels began picketing outside the hotels this morning. Last week, the workers rejected for a second time a three-year contract covering 400 of the hotels' 2,000 workers. Management said it would implement the contract unilaterally.

Although the hotels are on Disney property, they are owned by Tishman Hotel Corp. and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Treva Marshall, a spokeswoman for the hotels, couldn't comment immediately on whether there was any disruption in services.

Workers were demanding a guaranteed 40-hour work week and job assignments based on seniority.

Strikes in Orlando's tourism industry are rare. In the past decade, there have been only two that area labor leaders can recall: a musicians' strike at Walt Disney World and one by hotel workers at the Grosvenor Resort near Walt Disney World. In addition, hundreds of hotel workers were laid off last year during the tourism slowdown.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press

 

[jwfla422]

So does anyone know how they're getting along without those people at work right now??? Yikes...that's too bad. Wonder how it's affecting guest's stays??

Hope things get settled soon.

 

[epcotfan]

Yikes! I was wondering how the hotel is managing guests as well? There's bound to be more guests due to Memorial week. I'd hate to be staying there right now.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

Almost makes me glad I changed from the swan concierge to the BWI concierge.

 

[dreamflight99]

I just spoke with the management at the Dolphin, and was assured the strike was very "miniscule" in size (only a FEW workers actually opted to strike), and this was in NO WAY affecting the services a patron of either of these resorts receives.

If other associates were to join in the strike, the resort would "immediately" hire and bring in workers to accomodate the needs of all guests. If you were staying at the WDW Dolphin/Swan, you would not even be aware of the strike, or feel any effects/changes in the level of service provided by the staff.

 

[epcotfan]

That's good to know. Thanks for the info dreamflight!

 

[jwfla422]

I had also read the other thread and someone who is staying at the Swan now said he didn't notice any difference.

 

[CookieGVB]

You might not notice a change in service, but I'd say you might notice a picket line or two!

 

[Ityldu]

Where are they picketing? I'd be so surprised Disney would allow picketers on their property - it kind of crushes the "magic" and allows the real world in.

We will be at the Dolphin in about 26 days and I'm not worried. I've dealt with their service before. It's so top-notched that I know they will go above and beyond to make sure this doesn't effect anyone's stay.

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Dreamflight,

I knew I could count on you to get me info. I hope everything is settled by July.

 

[Mercy]

On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.

 

[Robinrs]

I'm with your DH, Mercy, I would NEVER cross one either.

 

[Kitty 34]

Originally posted by Mercy
On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.

I would love to be able to say the same but we will be there in 6 days.......what are we suppose to do? Change our ressies????

 

[Eloise@the Plaza]

It could all be solved before your arrival, no worries. The media makes it appear much worse than it actually is.

Have a great vacation!

 

[OKDisneyFans]

Our family leaves tomorrow and I am kind of worried. We called the hotel and they said guests wouldn't be experiencing any of the effects, but I don't know. Going through a picket line could ruin our trip. We actually arrive on 6/8, I just hope it's over by then. We've never stayed anywhere but Disney and I am unsure if the Swan will go to the trouble that Disney would (under the circumstances).

 

[bdpa]

We will be arriving Monday! What should we do? Just drive through the picket line? I feel really bad. But, this is OUR vacation time. Somebody tell me I'm not being selfish. This is our first time to stay at the Dolphin.

 

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

I just got off the phone with my co-worker who had just checked into the Swan and was in her room. She said that there are some picketers outside but the service at the hotel did not seem to be affected.

 

[dreamflight99]

Wdisneyaholic..."You're welcome!"

The picket line is "Friendly & not obstructing any traffic!" Just honk the horn, smile and wave as you drive past. They'll wave back, as most are friendly associates merely exercising their rights to picket, and are still employed by the Swan/Dolphin. As the resort manager explained to me..."the picket line is VERY SMALL...a few employees displaying their frustration with labor/wages, etc. These persons are either on their days off work, or even on break. They are by no means an ANGRY line mob anyone should fear crossing."

Once past the few employees...you're IN! It's the last time you'll be affected by them if you use the Disney transportation. Once inside, you'll forget all about these things...and settle into the MAGIC! Enjoy all your upcoming visits, and remember...these resorts are a business. Sometimes events such as these are unavoidable. A couple years ago...we were prevented from returning to our BW suite, as a madman had a gun inside and was demanding to see his wife whom worked in housekeeping (she was having an affair w/another employee). It all ended effectively w/SWAT after about 12 hours...but was frustrating and a bit unsettling. You are still in the REAL world while on Disney Property...and events such as these are vivid reminders. But, for us...they never spoil the MAGIC we relish. Relax, and enjoy!

 

[bdpa]

Thank you for putting our minds at ease! We all understand what it's like to work for a living. I wish them the best of luck.

 

[Mercy]

quote:
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Originally posted by Mercy
On the news this morning it showed the picketers at the beginning of the driveway. Glad we aren't staying there, my DH would never cross their picket line.
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Crossing the picket line has nothing to do with fear of angry mobs. It has to do with principle.