Third-party Disney Springs restaurant workers are inviting Walt Disney World Resort guests to join them in their fight for better pay and working conditions. Employees from Patina Restaurant Group, which operates several Disney Springs locations, are taking action by handing out fliers and wearing buttons to raise awareness about their ongoing struggle for fair compensation and working conditions.
The workers are part of an effort to unionize under Unite Here Local 737, a movement that began last year. This push for unionization was sparked by a series of issues, including a worker’s claim that she was fired after reporting sexual harassment from a supervisor and another case of a worker allegedly being fired for a minor dress code violation after showing support for the unionization efforts.
Unions and the Fight for Fair Compensation
The unionization efforts have received significant public support, including from state Representative Anna Eskamani, who has endorsed the workers’ efforts to gain better pay and benefits. According to a survey conducted among 69 third-party workers across 18 Disney Springs locations, 59% are part-time, compared to just 31% of unionized Disney cast members. Additionally, 46% of these workers don’t have health insurance, while full-time Disney cast members are eligible for benefits. Only 19% of these workers have health insurance through their third-party employer.
Jeremy Haicken, president of Unite Here Local 737, has been outspoken about the disparity between the treatment of Disney Springs workers and their Disney cast member counterparts.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that there is a second class of workers doing the same work, right on the same property,” Haicken said.
The Push for Better Pay and Healthcare at Disney Springs
As workers continue to push for better pay and healthcare, they’re sharing personal stories about how difficult it is to make ends meet on their current wages. Sabrina Redditt, a cook at Morimoto Asia, explained her struggles in a flier given to Disney Springs guests:
“I make just $18 an hour and can’t afford health insurance,” Redditt said. “My kids are on Medicaid, and I have a tooth cavity I can’t fix. If I worked for Disney, I’d make at least $25.10.”
Redditt’s story highlights the gap between the pay workers receive at Patina-run restaurants and what Disney cast members earn. When Redditt asked for a raise, she was instead offered a six-day workweek at her current pay rate.
“When I asked for a raise, they said no but offered a 6-day workweek instead,” she said. “I have two kids – when am I supposed to see them? I shouldn’t have to choose between surviving and seeing my family.”
What Can Guests Do to Help?
Walt Disney World Resort guests can show their support by learning more about the workers’ efforts and encouraging fair treatment for the employees who help make the Disney experience magical. Guests can show solidarity by speaking out, wearing union buttons, or simply spreading the word about the workers’ fight for better pay and healthcare.
Have you noticed union buttons or fliers at Disney Springs restaurants? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
