Restaurant workers at Walt Disney World Resort are taking a stand for fair wages and better working conditions. Employees at several dining locations throughout EPCOT and Disney Springs have united with UNITE HERE Local 737 to demand improved compensation and benefits from their employer, Patina Restaurant Group.
Hundreds March for Fair Treatment
Wednesday's demonstration drew approximately 200 union members who rallied for two primary goals: securing a fair contract for current union workers at Patina-operated restaurants in EPCOT's Italy World Showcase Pavilion and establishing a fair unionization process for non-union employees working at Patina locations throughout Disney Springs. The union documented the event through a live broadcast on Facebook:
📣 LIVE: Workers are marching demanding a good life for Patina workers!
We need a fair contract at Patina restaurants at the Italy Pavilion and a fair process to organize a union at Patina restaurants in Disney Springs!
Patina Restaurant Group manages three dining establishments in the Italy World Showcase Pavilion: Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto, and Via Napoli. Unlike traditional Walt Disney World Resort cast members, workers at these restaurants don't receive comparable benefits packages. Their contract demands a focus on four key areas: an $8-per-hour wage increase phased in over three years, completely free health insurance coverage extending to workers and their families, substantial retirement pensions, and the implementation of an automatic 20% gratuity on all guest checks.
“I love to cook,” said Jennifer Quiñonez, a cook in the Italy World Showcase Pavilion restaurants. “I put my heart into everything that I make, and it brings me joy to see other people eat my food. But loving my job doesn't pay the bills. That's why we're fighting in our contract negotiations for big changes – because all of us deserve a good life.”
Disney Springs Workers Join the Union Movement
Five additional Patina Restaurant Group locations operate at Disney Springs: The Edison, Maria and Enzo's, Enzo's Hideaway, Morimoto Asia, and Pizza Ponte. Workers at these Walt Disney World Resort establishments currently have no union representation and participated in Wednesday's march to advocate for fair organizing procedures.
“At the end of the day, my coworkers and I deserve to be treated like people with full lives, people who have more going on than just work,” said AJ Meeks, an employee at The Edison. “We want Patina to treat us the way we know we deserve to be treated. That's why we're fighting for a fair process to organize.”
Unionized Disney cast members demonstrated solidarity by joining the march, recognizing that the working conditions of nearby workers impact the entire resort's labor environment. Henry Allen Torres holds positions as both shop steward and Assistant Sous Chef at Magic Kingdom Park. His frustration stemmed from witnessing the disparity between his benefits and those of Patina employees.
“It makes me so angry to hear what Patina workers experience,” he said. “It's not good for any of us when people who work so nearby get lower wages, no pension, or no union protections, especially when they're serving the same guests who come to Disney.”
Troubled History Between Patina and Workers
The relationship between Patina Restaurant Group and its Walt Disney World Resort employees has been marred by multiple controversies since unionization efforts began in 2024. Allegations include the termination of a Disney Springs employee after she reported sexual harassment by her supervisor, and claims that a manager physically assaulted a union member inside Tutto Italia. Patina also distinguished itself as one of the rare third-party Walt Disney World Resort employers that refused to compensate part-time staff during the 2020 COVID-19 closure.
Have you eaten at a Patina Group restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
We always dine at Via Napoli, food is good but pricey. Not sure of the wages but those working there knew the wage when hired.
Increase the menu cost to pay increased wages and mandatory 20% tip, will be a heck no for this family.
We have 6 dining when we go, so are mandatorily charged tip.
Price yourself out of a job.