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.
