Should cast members be paid more?

[PatriciaH]

The problem with this is many European countries are broke or going broke including Germany because they underwrite their citizen's lifestyles.
There have been riots in Greece and Italy, expect more.

He talks about this is the book. Says he remembers being told Europe was "going to collapse" since he was in college in the 60's Yes, Ireland and Greece are having troubles but no worse than the US. Also, we pay about 80% of what they do in Europe in taxes, but they get free health care, 6+ weeks vacation, shorter work weeks, paid maternity (6 mo) and paternity leave, free education (much better than the US), better workers rights, pensions, etc.

They (on average) work about 700 hours less a year than workers in the US!!! That is a HUGE quality of life issue. Imagine what you could do with 700 hours more a year.

He urges people to actually get out there and travel to the countries in Europe and see them with your own eyes. They have very little poverty and crime.

 

[Dis4]

He talks about this is the book. Says he remembers being told Europe was "going to collapse" since he was in college in the 60's Yes, Ireland and Greece are having troubles but no worse than the US. Also, we pay about 80% of what they do in Europe in taxes, but they get free health care, 6+ weeks vacation, shorter work weeks, paid maternity (6 mo) and paternity leave, free education (much better than the US), better workers rights, pensions, etc.

They (on average) work about 700 hours less a year than workers in the US!!! That is a HUGE quality of life issue. Imagine what you could do with 700 hours more a year.

He urges people to actually get out there and travel to the countries in Europe and see them with your own eyes. They have very little poverty and crime.

The Euro will most certainly collapse at some point within the next 20 years, within 10 years is more likely. I bet George Soros is already short.

 

[PatriciaH]

The Euro will most certainly collapse at some point within the next 20 years, within 10 years is more likely. I bet George Soros is already short.

Many are saying the dollar is headed for collapse as well.

 

[Dis4]

Many are saying the dollar is headed for collapse as well.

I believe that is true also but that's a little further out than the Euro (15-20 yrs probably).

 

[WDSearcher]

So what's your job at Disney now? If you don't mind sharing

Actually, I'd rather not be specific, since I do a fairly unique job and it wouldn't be hard for someone in the company to figure out who I am. Sorry!

 

[Dis4]

Actually, I'd rather not be specific, since I do a fairly unique job and it wouldn't be hard for someone in the company to figure out who I am. Sorry!

You must be Robert Iger. I understand Mr. Iger

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

He talks about this is the book. Says he remembers being told Europe was "going to collapse" since he was in college in the 60's Yes, Ireland and Greece are having troubles but no worse than the US. Also, we pay about 80% of what they do in Europe in taxes, but they get free health care, 6+ weeks vacation, shorter work weeks, paid maternity (6 mo) and paternity leave, free education (much better than the US), better workers rights, pensions, etc.

They (on average) work about 700 hours less a year than workers in the US!!! That is a HUGE quality of life issue. Imagine what you could do with 700 hours more a year.

He urges people to actually get out there and travel to the countries in Europe and see them with your own eyes. They have very little poverty and crime.

This is neither here nor there...but IIRC, many European countries have within their culture longer lunch periods.

It seems in France, that is reducing as they had a story on the news recently that the sale of sandwiches has increased b/c the French aren't taking as long lunches as they used to. Tried to find a relevent link, but was unable to. So all you got is my anectdote of a 20 second mention on the local news.

Curious though--when I googled, it seems that France with the lowest retiring age is considering raising it as Germany has done due to deficit issues.

So while we "crave" how they do things in Europe--it seems that Europe is unable to sustain its own lifestyle when it comes to things.

One of those, grass is greener on the other side.

 

[Dis4]

This is neither here nor there...but IIRC, many European countries have within their culture longer lunch periods.

It seems in France, that is reducing as they had a story on the news recently that the sale of sandwiches has increased b/c the French aren't taking as long lunches as they used to. Tried to find a relevent link, but was unable to. So all you got is my anectdote of a 20 second mention on the local news.

Curious though--when I googled, it seems that France with the lowest retiring age is considering raising it as Germany has done due to deficit issues.

So while we "crave" how they do things in Europe--it seems that Europe is unable to sustain its own lifestyle when it comes to things.

One of those, grass is greener on the other side.

Even if that is the case, clearly work isn't as important to individuals in Europe as it is to people here in the U.S. I see it everyday whether I'm on the train, at work, etc. There are people who are completely obsessed with being available to work around the clock. There are people at work who don't joke around at all, it's all business, work is their life and they can not be distracted for the world shall end if they miss an email.

Maybe I'm weird but I'm not like that at all. I'm not available for work before I arrive at the office and after I arrive. I get in at 8 and leave at 4, no exceptions. If someone doesn't like it, too bad.

 

[Acklander]

Curious though--when I googled, it seems that France with the lowest retiring age is considering raising it as Germany has done due to deficit issues.

So while we "crave" how they do things in Europe--it seems that Europe is unable to sustain its own lifestyle when it comes to things.

One of those, grass is greener on the other side.

I would assume that Germany and France and everyone else is raising retirement ages for the same reason we in the U.S are - people are living much longer.

 

[bunny]

In Germany (if you are using that as an example) a lot less people own their own homes. In 2006 it was only 42% versus 68% in the United States. Also while it is true that college education is free, it is also extremely difficult to be accepted to college. One thing that is good about their educational system though is the opportunties for apprenticeships. In the US, we assume all students are suitable for a college education. We don't specifically train students on a large scale for trade jobs. So while the middle class may enjoy more social benefits than we do here their economic standard of living is lower.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Even if that is the case, clearly work isn't as important to individuals in Europe as it is to people here in the U.S. I see it everyday whether I'm on the train, at work, etc. There are people who are completely obsessed with being available to work around the clock. There are people at work who don't joke around at all, it's all business, work is their life and they can not be distracted for the world shall end if they miss an email.

Maybe I'm weird but I'm not like that at all. I'm not available for work before I arrive at the office and after I arrive. I get in at 8 and leave at 4, no exceptions. If someone doesn't like it, too bad.

It is the definition of "work ethic"--some folks feel that if you don't have a direct iv line to your main artery attaching you to work--well, you just aren't dedicated enough and have a poor work ethic.

As long as you come when you should and do your job as defined, that is an excellent work ethic.

My mind runs a million miles a minute--and doesn't seem to shut off from one task to the next.

I think Europe is more laid back in general--but you can find pockets of the US where the lifestyle is somewhat similar.

I moved from a coastal town with a big laid back vibe. People do practice punctuality, but there is no rush rush.

I now live outside of DC--about as far "out" as you can get and still be considered part of the metropolitan DC area. Folks rush rush all of the time. It's downright annoying. So I try to stay home as much as possible. We did go shopping on Saturday as I didn't want to take all of the kids with me to get something for just one of the children. It was not fun. And it isn't just b/c it is the holidays. It has been like that every weekend since we moved here in August.

I miss island living.

 

[Dis4]

I miss island living.

I need to try it. I think I was born for it.

 

[Arielle22]

I have had the unique pleasure of making friends with a number of castmembers over the years..

One gent that I befriended back in the 90's was 'on stage' primarily as a performer in shows and parades. A particular costume (the Clock from B&B Stage Show at MGM) .. really messed up his back.

They didn't fire him. They moved him over to basically baby-sitting the kids of those attending the Disney Institute programs. It was a demeaning role for an accomplished performer whose back was wrecked by a poorly designed costume. He's no longer with the company.

It sounds like he had a worker's comp injury and was placed on light duty. Companies are allowed to have injured workers work any job which complies with the restrictions. I also don't consider watching children to be demeaning.

 

[WDSearcher]

You must be Robert Iger. I understand Mr. Iger

We're a first-name company here. Call me Bob.

 

[Dis4]

We're a first-name company here. Call me Bob.

Hey Bobby can you do something about those TSM lines? We should really try to get that fixed ASAP.

 

[Kathi OD]

Hey Bobby can you do something about those TSM lines? We should really try to get that fixed ASAP.

While you're at it, can you talk w/ Jim over at DVC? We're not happy about the bus situation @ SSR.

 

[brerrabbit]

No time or desire to look back, but how many people here have said that Disney should pay their employees more or a "living wage" and at some point also complained that Disney needs to spend more on a new park, new attractions, or conversely that they need to offer more free dining, cheaper rooms, or cheaper park tickets? These are all very interrelated issues and I for one would like to see new things but as bicker has stated so well, we want all the good things but still want to get it cheap as possible.

If Disney announced tomorrow that they have decided to pay "living wages" and give all CM's an across the board 50% pay increase but as a result were doubling ticket prices, what would the average Disney Fan feel about that?

Would they appauld Disney's effort or declare they will never go to WDW again? Personally I would significantly curb my attendence and trips would become fewer and farther in between.

Judge the amount of money Disney makes and what they should pay employees but the reality is the stock (as a measure for performance and therefore investors perception of value) has increased very little in over ten years. Granted they pay dividends but overall performance is not the greatest. I know only because I have owned shares for many years and have made well below the market average on the investment. I tell my wife I keep it only because I love getting the very colorful annual report and the opportunity to attend annual stockholders meetings should I ever care to.

 

[WDSearcher]

Hey Bobby can you do something about those TSM lines? We should really try to get that fixed ASAP.

You know ... we've tried. We're working at making the ride less popular.

While you're at it, can you talk w/ Jim over at DVC? We're not happy about the bus situation @ SSR.

Jim says to rent a car.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

I contend that a career WOULD BE possible for both of the people you describe. But it is also possible that they'd have to work in an area they didn't enjoy in order to get to one they did. Or that they'd have to get to their ideal job in a roundabout way.

Too many people come to Disney and expect that Disney will define their career path for them. If I settled for the first Disney job I had, I wouldn't have lasted either. But I networked and met everyone I could, volunteered for special events to pick up new contacts and skills, learned everything I could about the areas I wanted to work in, shadowed people, applied for lots of things. Eight years after I started, I had my dream job. Eight years later, I got my next dream job. If someone is disappointed because they were "led to believe that a career was possible", then I have to wonder what steps they took to find that career. There's a lot of frustration before you get to the finish line.

I have to agree with WDSearcher. You have a lot of good and valid points. I run into cast members or even ex cast members who give up on the career at Disney because they don't end up going anywhere. But after talking to them it usually ends appearing that didn't put in all the effort they could. Disney is a huge company, they aren't going to hold your hand and throw all kinds of opportunities in your face. You have to go searching for them, you have to make contacts, start networking. Its important to communicate with leadership your goals, where you see yourself going or where you want to go. I find for many CM's, their leadership team sometimes isn't even aware they wanted to move up or wanted new opportunities, ultimately because the CM's never communicated with their leaders. Sometimes you have to take round about ways or work in different areas to start moving up. I'm not going to say moving up at Disney is "easy" but its definitely impossible if you put in the effort. And I will say a lot of it is politics and learning how to deal with that game!