Walt Disney World employees have reached a tentative agreement with Disney to raise wages to $18/hour for existing employees through the end of this year. The union will now recommend workers to vote in favor of the agreement.
The agreement comes after union members rejected an offer of $17 an hour as the minimum wage last month.
“Securing an $18 an hour minimum wage this year, increasing the overall economic value of Disney’s original offerings and ensuring that every employee is paid in full are priorities union members are determined to fight for,” said Matt Hollis , President of the Services. Trades Council Union (STCU), in a statement on Thursday.
According to the union and company, the deal will bring a salary increase for all theme park employees. The union said pay increases will range from $5.50 to $8.60 an hour until the end of the contract.
The company said the contract would guarantee new and existing employees a minimum of $17 an hour upon ratification and a minimum of $18 an hour for current employees by the end of the year.
The raises are retroactive to October 2022, according to the union, which also said the minimum wage will be $20 by the end of the contract in October 2026, and wages for housekeepers, dishwashers, cooks, kitchen assistants and bus drivers will differ by $22. $ per hour to $28.60 per hour.
The union also won eight weeks of paid parental leave, a new benefit.
Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, issued a statement about the tentative agreement.
“Our cast is central to the enduring magic of Walt Disney World, which is why we are excited about this tentative agreement.”
A large group of Walt Disney World employees and their allies marched outside the park grounds earlier this month, chanting, “Walt Disney employees need a raise!” The event was called a “rally for a raise” by the organizers.
Many of the protesters are from a coalition of six unions representing nearly 42,000 WDW performers. The coalition and Disney have been negotiating a new contract since the old one expired on October 1.
The company found that the employment package included health care, paid vacation and sick leave, overtime opportunities, discount offers, and development and promotion opportunities.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
