Should cast members be paid more?

[dakcp2001]

No, its not a true internship, but it does look good on a resume to anyone not from FL.

The recruiters at colleges fluff it up a bit, and make it sounds not like slave labor. Yes you can get college credits if you attend the couple classes disney offers in a couple categories. A lot of the kids don't though. Most kids do the program to get away. Its a semester break in FL, which is awesome if you are from OK, IA, KY or other less than exciting land locked states. You work 40-50 hours a week. Your pay checks are maybe a $150 after taxes and what disney takes from you as rent. The plus is free admission to all the parks. Plus you are shoved into dorm like setups with a lot of strangers. This gives you a new chance to meet people, party, interact with the opposite sex etc. 99% of their paychecks are spent within 6 days on stuff from disney items, basic food and alcohol, day trips to the beach, weekend trip to Miami or Tampa, etc. A lot of the kids bring some savings, like a grand or two, and 4-6 months later leave with only enough for a plane ticket home, and lots of memories.

Basically its work 8-10 hours, party, get a little sleep and repeat.

It is like "the company store" where all your money goes right back to the employer for rent. We used to always joke about how it was a good thing we worked there because otherwise we would never be afford to go on what we were making, nevermind trying to buy food at park prices.

We used to eat a lot of Ramen and a lot of pasta with butter. Not super healthy but you work off all the calories working 60+ hours. I did love my job and that is something. If they paid more I never would have left. If I could have survived on what they paid me instead of accumulating debt, I would have stayed.

 

[ratherbeatdisney]

Pretty easy to figure out...


1900 Park fare is $35.99 an adult...

4 tables of 4 people, 3 times a night...15% tip is ....$259.00 a night..

5 nights is $1259.00

Times 52 weeks is $65,468!

Now that doesnt factor in kids prices, people who tip less at a buffet, discounts, vacation time, or all sorts of other things....

I'm just saying, if the Unions at Disney want to play hardball, they need to pick someone other than the employee who has a pretty damn good job!

thats a good theory, but i doubt she makes anywhere near that. Im sure some current Cast members will be chiming in on your comment soon... i bet they would LOVE to make that, but i bet most make less than half of that.

 

[SandrA9810]

Disney can be doable, for a single person with no other commiments. But this also includes sharing an apartment, and cutting back on lots of expenses.
Toss in a family, and it's a joke and a half to survive. I knew quite a few families that were struggling with every day life, plus they were living in reduced priced rent.

I used to have guests ask me about my pay. Since I was non-union, I made decent pay in comparrison. The highest paying entry level job is a bus driver at about $9.50 per hour. Followed by security. Photopass used to be next, but I don't know the pay rate since they went union with Entertainment. Attractions, entertainment, custodial, parking, merchandise, main entrance... probably 90% of the people you meet are all just above minimum wage. Even those with seniority barely make a quarter more than those just starting out, plus there is a cap on union positions. But my response to them was "Those that truely love their job and create the magic for you, are here because they love Walt and what Disney used to stand for. They're not here for the money, because there isn't much".

It's also sad that there's many managers making less than their cast members. Because hourly can pick up over time to pull in some extra money.

CP's really are slave workers. Since they're on an "internship", they don't even have to be paid minimum wage. Plus the rent and other expenses that are automatically taken from their paychecks, they're not left with much.

Now there is some money to be made. Bartenders, waiters/waitresses at V&A... but few and far between is some one gonna step in off the streets and land that position. You've got to put your years into the company to get there.

 

[bicker]

Is it so hard for an employer like Disney to pay a living wage?

Read this question as: Is it so hard for you to happily pay Disney 25% more so that Disney can pay its staff 25% more? Guests have the power. If guests collectively really cared about these people in that way then they'd stop going to WDW until Disney started paying people better.

But that's not the way guests think. Guests look at how much things are costing them. Guests make purchasing decisions based more on the price they'd be charged than on how much the people serving them get paid.

Meanwhile, many people have their retirement savings and other money invested in mutual funds and in company stock. Those folks also have power. They could sell-off their holdings in companies that don't pay well-enough. They'd lose money or opportunity, perhaps, but they could do it.

But that's not the way investors think. Investors look at how much return they can get on their investment. Investors make investment decisions based more on the promise of return than on how much the people working for them get paid.

So from both ends - customers and owners - the company is driven to provide the best service for the lowest cost. Until society's perspective on worker pay changes - until consumers willingly pay more to be served by people who are paid better, and until owners of businesses willing seek lower profits to be able to pay their employees better - that's the way it is going to be.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

 

[Art 1]

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

That, is the correct answer. Nothing more needs to be said really.

 

[NHdisneylover]

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

I agree with this. I also do not think it is Disney's (or any company's) responsibility to provide jobs that support families just because there is not much available in the area. I bet the wages ARE competitive within the theme park industry. I have really never seen theme park jobs as the type that are sought by those who must support a family. They tend to be jobs for singles, teens, retirees who want to get out, SAHMs or dads who want to get out and earn a little extra, etc. I cannot imagine why anyone would think they should try to support a family on the salary of a theme park employee

 

[Dax]

I watched this last night with DH...both he and I worked for Disney for very short periods of time, as we soon found that Disney wages would not support us at all. Lucklily this is when jobs in Orlando were easier to come by, unlike now, where even the local McDonalds isnt looking for people..

Some people may be blinded by the pixie dust sometimes. My cousin has been a Disney CM for 7yrs, he retired here. He is still dipping into is retirement to pay his bills and make ends meet. When he first got the job, he worked 50+ hrs a week...on his feet taking tickets. He was tired and sore, but he loved making magic as it is so put. That all ended within 2yrs of low pay, long hours, and no family time. He still works for Disney, but at his age, there is not a lot he can do.

It was mentioned in the video how someone had to go to Amscot to make it from check to check...As I was driving into work this morning, there was a CM coming out of Amscot I assume on her way into work.

Its rough out there. WDW is the LARGEST employer in about 3 counties, followed by Publix, who isnt much better on its treatment of employees. Not all the jobs are super magical either. Its not all its cracked up to be

 

[ICF]

thats a good theory, but i doubt she makes anywhere near that. Im sure some current Cast members will be chiming in on your comment soon... i bet they would LOVE to make that, but i bet most make less than half of that.

Even making half of that would be a decent wage.

I would say a waitress making $30K - $35K is pretty good pay. That would be an hourly wage between $14.40 - $16.80 an hour....if they worked 40 hr weeks 52 weeks a year.

 

[DawnM]

I am not sure what other jobs these folks would have that would pay "so much better" and if they did, they would be going there. It is far more cost effective to work elsewhere and make more $$ and pay to go to Disney if there truly are "much better" paying jobs elsewhere.

My husband worked at Disney in the tax/accounting department for a year while he went to grad school. I realize this is a whole different area than a CM, but he does have a year of Disney experience. He was quick to leave when the internship was over and he finished grad school. He made double as soon as he left.

Dawn

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

 

[C.Ann]

A lot of CMs at WDW are not members of the union, but are paid under the same benefit structure. I wouldn't say that most of the CMs were thrilled with the prior agreement. In fact, they don't have a lot of say in things. The union negotiators work out the deal and they live with it. They need their jobs...especially now when the unemployment rate in the Orlando area is very high.

I was a WDW CM. I did not join the union because the cost of the union dues from my paycheck was too high. When you're only making minimum wage, it's difficult to give any of it up. Of course, most CMs at WDW are part time employees. That isn't by choice. It's hard to become a full time CM. Disney prefers to keep most of the CMs in the part time category.

Part time CMs do not receive all of the benefits of the full time employees. They don't get any paid vacation or sick leave. They can purchase some health care benefits, but it is very little and expensive. Heath care benefits for full time CMs are much better, but it is about $60 a week for an individual. Remember, even full time CMs make minimum wage or a little higher. Only managers and above are in salaried positions.

I was a part time CM and originally signed up to work two days a week. I was scheduled for five days a week much of the time. When you sign on, you get to specify two days a week for which they cannot schedule you. Those were the only days they did not schedule me. They always needed people to work and would pressure you to work. Of course, you could not call in sick or take a personal day without getting a point. After working a 40 hour week, I normally netted about $235.00. I did not have anything taken from my check other than taxes. CMs who have union dues and/or health insurance taken from their checks net much less.

I know many WDW CMs who work two to three jobs to survive. Many families share homes with other families because they cannot afford a home on just their pay. I know one woman who is diabetic and often goes without her medication because she cannot afford it. She helps support her daughter (also a CM) and grandchildren.

Of course, there are many people in jobs, other than CMs, who make terrible money and have a hard time getting by. CMs are not the only people struggling in this country, but it is a little hard to watch when you see the amount of money that goes into Disney's pockets on a daily basis. Being in a vacation area, where people throw money around like water, is difficult to swallow when you are one of those struggling to just survive. Fortunately, that is not my situation and I no longer work for Disney. It is hard to watch many wonderful people I have met, since I moved to Orlando, who do work for Disney and lead such difficult lives. But, as another poster pointed out, the situation will not change as long as their are so many people who desperately need work. Another factor that keeps the pay low is the availability Disney has to college program CMs. They hire these kids for short periods of time and work them long, long hours. Then, they turn around and charge them rent. It's a great deal for Disney. They get loads of cheap labor and the majority of what they pay the labor goes back in their pocket. Can't beat that deal. No need to hire more expensive labor when this pool never ends.

As a former castmember I feel for these employees. We worked days , nights,weekends, and holidays. Disney owns you. I used to work a ton of ot shifts and I still had to charge my gas & groceries. I eventually had to leave when my car was on its last leg becauase I knew I could not afford a new one while working there.

Oh and if we wanted a second job, you had to get approval from your manager. A lot of time they said no because it cut into your availability. These are the same managers that had several jobs themselves to make ends meet.


I loved working at Disney, and being part of the magic, I hated that I had to live on Ramen Noodles and credit cards.

I support them and hope they get what they need to survive.

Well said. To those folks who commented on the YouTube video, it's easy to say that people should go elsewhere. Where? Finding any job in Orlando right now is difficult. Not everyone working at WDW has a degree that will allow them to walk into a nice job somewhere else. They are just hard working individuals trying to take care of their families. They do feel trapped.

Recently, I saw, on the news, a story about a man who was at the door of Jobs Central each morning when it opened trying to find any kind of job. He has been out of work for months. He can't find anything. He is living, with his family, in a storage shed. This month, his unemployment benefits end. Things are tough in Orlando right now. Just where do people expect Disney CMs to go?

I will base my opinion on the true accounts given above - people who have actually worked there..

Yes - they should be paid more..

I'm sorry that the two of you had to experience the "non-magic" as Disney employees..

 

[GeorgeG]

As individuals, there doesn't seem to be much we can do to fix things. Disney has cut so many corners that there are no corners left and so many cast members are between a rock and a hard place while paying guests are dealing with a significant decline in quality. Somebody has to be making good money, but I doubt it's anyone we come eye to eye with in the parks and resorts.

What we can do is tip well if and when we can afford to and be as nice as we can to cast members we come in contact with in an effort to make their day as pleasant as possible. I know that doesn't pay the bills, but a smile and kind word just might help them know they are appreciated.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I am regular part time. I have worked continuously since early August 2005. My current rate of pay is $8.30 per hour, except when I am in a ticket or Guest Services window when I get $8.65 per hour.

Any time off I take is without pay. I have turned down the offered medical insurance as I have Medicare as well as coverage from my former employer.

 

[Hannathy]

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

Exactly! and exactly as it should be. Disney is a business to make money for it's stock holders.

When they can't hire enough people to fill the slots then pay will go up.
And seriously most of the jobs that are being talked about are unskilled jobs and people should not expect to raise a family on them or even to live the rest of their lives on them if they want to do more than get by.

I do think that for unskilled workers there are some positions at Disney that you can make out better than in a comparable position elsewhere, like some of the wait staff, housekeepers, and bartenders.

 

[scrapquitler]

It was mentioned in the video how someone had to go to Amscot to make it from check to check...As I was driving into work this morning, there was a CM coming out of Amscot I assume on her way into work.

For a non-FLoridian.... what is Amscot????

 

[dakcp2001]

For a non-FLoridian.... what is Amscot????

I think it is a food pantry.

 

[Feralpeg]

For a non-FLoridian.... what is Amscot????

Amscot is a loan service. It's basically a legal form of a loan shark. You go in with a blank check and id. They will loan you up to a certain amount for a very short period of time. When that time is done, they cash your check for the amount you borrowed plus a high interest rate. Many people do this to make it until their next payday. Unfortunately, it is a vicious cycle. Once you borrow against your next check, you will find yourself short again. The cycle keeps repeating and gets worse because of the high rate of interest charged for the service.

 

[Feralpeg]

As long as Disney is adequately staffed with people that meet their high standards, I don't think that they are paying too little. If they weren't paying enough, people would quit and take other work. Then Disney would increase pay or benefits. The fact that they aren't having to significantly increase pay tells you that the overall compensation (which includes the joy of having a really cool job) is sufficient.

I wish life was so black and white. There really is no place for many of these people to go. Another poster mentioned that many are non-skilled labor. That is true. It's not like they can just step into another position elsewhere.

I don't know what it is like in other parts of the country, but there are literally very few jobs available in the Orlando area at this time. They hold job fairs and thousands show up for a handful of jobs. It is such a sad situation. I'm sure many of the people currently caught up in low paying jobs would jump in a heartbeat if there was anything better available.

 

[scrapquitler]

Amscot is a loan service. It's basically a legal form of a loan shark. You go in with a blank check and id. They will loan you up to a certain amount for a very short period of time. When that time is done, they cash your check for the amount you borrowed plus a high interest rate. Many people do this to make it until their next payday. Unfortunately, it is a vicious cycle. Once you borrow against your next check, you will find yourself short again. The cycle keeps repeating and gets worse because of the high rate of interest charged for the service.

Oh dear, those payday loan places. Yes, they are a ripoff, big time.

Another question: Disney cast members have a CHOICE about joining the union? I noticed comments on the you tube video of people saying they didn't join the union because it was too expensive
Everywhere I've ever worked that had a union, there was no choice. Well actually, my current employer allows us the 'choice' of not joining the union, but you still have to pay the union dues and the union will not represent you if there is some kind of issue where they would otherwise step up for you if you were a member.....so either way you have to pay the union dues.

 

[kamik86]

Most jobs right now that just about anyone could do will not pay very well because so many people are out of work. My husband works at Target is great at his job etc and has worked there for a little over 4 years and only makes $9 so really it is comparable.

Since many people here have pointed out how many Disney employees are given out false information, that the service is declining etc I'm guessing Disney isn't only hiring the best at the highest standards anymore they are hiring the people that will work for the price they are offered which will be a mix of the best Disney fans that really want to create magic (similar to my husband who loves Electronics and really enjoys helping people figure out the best items for them and consistantly has customers going to management about how great he is or even regular customers that will purposely come in when they know he will be there) and those that just need a job and don't really care.

Sadly I doubt there is anything that can be done about this. The sad fact is that someone will always be making the lowest wages. Those people will be those doing the easiest jobs and at times where jobs are hard to come by they won't do well and may not even have the oppurtunity to move up quickly because there aren't other jobs that those in higher positions are leaving to fill to give them the oppurtuinity. When times are good at target you can become management in much less time then my husband has been there but becasue there aren't alot of other jobs the people who have been there aren't learning and target has also cut some positions.

As a society I think this is something that will always be there. Thus my comments will be similar to those on the video, it is up to each individual to somehow get over that bottom level of jobs, that may mean having a special skill, a college degree, knowing the right person, etc but really jobs like entry level positions at Disney, resteraunts, and retail stores won't pay a living wage except for times where there are an abundance of jobs and they need to pay to get people to stay.

My husband can continue working where he does becasue I have a job that makes much more money, My husbands job pays for Disney and dinners out and video games. He hates his job most of the time but likes the extras enough to keep working there so we have the money to have them we would survive just fine without it. My husband has co-workers taht aren't in this situation and it is much more stressful for them because the times where management starts screaming and making unreasonable demands they are scared they could be fired... my husband has the security that if things got really bad he could just quit and my only response would be to redo are budget without all the extras (actually it is already done so I know it will work I would just have to start following it).