Question for the podcast team (and others) regarding crossing a Disney picket line

[roomthreeseventeen]

Hey guys,

I'm fascinated by the discussion about the possible cast member strike and how Pete and John said they definitely would not cross the picket line. My question is this, I guess: is that a personal decision, or the company line? Obviously, many, many people have trips that are planned for and paid for, including many DIS'ers, and I'd venture, Dreams Unlimited clients.

Would you advise that people NOT come down in the event of a strike?

 

[FireDancer]

If I were at Disney for a trip I wouldn't let a strike keep me out of the parks. Perhaps for locals it isn't quite as big of a deal but I'd hate to plan a trip, fly down, have park tickets, and then not be able to go to the parks because I didn't want to cross some picket line. I'd do cartwheels across that line...if I were able to cartwheel that it. Of course if others don't want to cross the line that is their decision and I respect that. There would be added bonus of less people in the park.

 

[safetymom]

If it came to a strike I know I would advise my clients. Then it is up to them what they want to do. I personally wouldn't cross the picket line.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Speaking for Dreams Unlimited Travel....

We would advise our clients of the strike as it may impact their vacation but we would never 'tell' people what do to in a situation like this.

This is a personal choice - similar to other situations where people choose when/how to visit WDW based on other factors.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I would also like to add that we would never tell our employees or agents what to do in a situation like this. Again, we would inform and advise but it is a personal decision.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[sjsjbrook]

Well if this happened I guess I would just have to spend my money at universal. It wouldn't be the same, but where I am staying at least they would still get my business and it still would be a fun vacation.

 

[SamSam]

If I were at Disney for a trip I wouldn't let a strike keep me out of the parks. Perhaps for locals it isn't quite as big of a deal but I'd hate to plan a trip, fly down, have park tickets, and then not be able to go to the parks because I didn't want to cross some picket line. I'd do cartwheels across that line...if I were able to cartwheel that it. Of course if others don't want to cross the line that is their decision and I respect that. There would be added bonus of less people in the park.

I agree. I personally feel that it is up to each person to decide what they want to do, but having been a business owner for many years, I feel that some strikes cause more harm than good. In years past, the unions did much good,but IMHO, they now cause more harm than good. Yikes! I'm putting on my flame proof garb.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

One thing to realize is if there are any pickets at all they can only be off WDW property, which means they must not only be outside the gates, but usually quite a distance away. And since the major roads (Main Gate, Osceola Parkwy, Epcot Center Drive, and Western Way) have 50mph speed limits I'm fairly sure the police will not allow the roads to be blocked. What could be a potential problem is the minor roads, especially the ones that go directly to backstage areas.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

CF, what percentage of CM's are union? Do you know?

 

[aggielawyer]

Yikes! I'm putting on my flame proof garb.

You won't get any flames from me. That pretty much describes my feelings about unions as well. I wouldn't have any problem enjoying WDW if there was a strike.

 

[MM32830]

CF, what percentage of CM's are union? Do you know?

I have not verified this number. I read that the Service Trades Council Union (which is made up of several unions) represents approximate 25,000 cast members.

Now, we have to interpret what is meant by "represents". Are all 25,000 cast members union paying members or does the union represent all cast members in the specific disciplines they represent, regardless of whether they are union paying members?

Again, this data has not been verified but based on what I read in the Orlando Sentinel.



__________________
Armand

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

Just wondering about things like Disney Magical Express. I know they're contracted out, but are they unionized? I'd hate to show up at the airport and not have a way to the park.

 

[MM32830]

Just wondering about things like Disney Magical Express. I know they're contracted out, but are they unionized? I'd hate to show up at the airport and not have a way to the park.

Almost any large company will be unionized but I don't believe you have much to worry about. If Mears (the company that runs DME) happens to go on strike, I am sure both Mears and Disney will make sure that operations will continue and you will have transportation to Disney.



_______________
Armand

 

[SydneyFalco]

I'm a member of one of the most powerful unions in Canada, and most of its actions I can't stand. But I have friends working in industries where the unions have never existed or been busted for no other reason than greed, and who desperately need a union.

The only opinion about unions I can't stand is the one that's 100% on one side or the other. To cross the Disney picket line I'd have to know all the particulars, do a lot of research, etc.