Disgruntled Disney Workers Give Leaflets At OIA

[thedisneyfan]

What I find funny is that a lot of the people handing out pamphlets weren't even CMs, but rather union reps that work for the union and NOT Disney.

What's so funny about that? The UNION works for the CMs NOT Disney. So of course the union will be there to support the side of the union members (CMs) in different ways. It's the union's power balance in the equation of bargaining with a corporation.

 

[Sledge]

The funny part is they actually think people will stop going to Disney World for it. Maybe the hippies will stop, but how many of them are left? 5?

If they have such a problem with how much they are getting paid... then quit. That's the way to protest. If almost half of the CMs quit that would be a bigger protest than handing out paper that will make it to the garbage can in the next 50 feet. Obviously they like working there since they are staying. That's funny because you hear a lot these days "Do what you like, don't do it for the money." Obviously they like it, if not then they should leave. This is up there with Michael Moore as far as the annoying and incredbily stupid goes.

 

[speck76]

I personally don't see anything wrong with the CM union members passing out leaflets at the airport. The CMs are merely disseminating information about their contract negotiations with Disney management. And people can either choose to accept the leaflets or not. San Francisco is in the middle of a rather ugly hotel strike currently and our mayor is threatening to get involved by joining the picket lines if the hotels don't come back to the table. Do I think this will tarnish the city's image and stop people from coming? No. And I might be optomistic, but the same might apply to Orlando.

You would be surprised.....Orlando has already picked up many conventions that cancelled in San Francisco, LA, and DC due to the "threat" of a strike.

Meeting planners have the attitude that union hotels are inefficient in their service of the customer, and, believe it or not, there is a lot of truth to that. One advantage that Orlando has, and what keeps us competitive with Las Vegas in the convention market, is that only a few hotels in town are union hotels.

Working in the service industry all of my life, I do not quite see how a union is benificial.....these are not skilled positions (which I believe membership in a union would mean you should possess some type of a skill....at least to keep the quality of work high) and really, in most cases in the hotel industry, the union is simply an excuse for the workers not to have to service the guest.

 

[EpcotGrl]

If they have such a problem with how much they are getting paid... then quit. That's the way to protest. If almost half of the CMs quit that would be a bigger protest than handing out paper that will make it to the garbage can in the next 50 feet. Obviously they like working there since they are staying. That's funny because you hear a lot these days "Do what you like, don't do it for the money." Obviously they like it, if not then they should leave. This is up there with Michael Moore as far as the annoying and incredbily stupid goes.

But shouldn't a corporation have a responsibility to pay a liveable wage to its employees? Wouldn't that be the best for everyone? I mean, if you're worried about how you're going to pay the rent, you're not going to be a happy CM... And it's far better to have CMs that WANT to be there making magic than people who're just there for a paycheck. These people obviously want to stay at Disney but see no way to do that AND pay their bills.

Of course, I could be wrong and they could just want more bucks, but... Just my opinion...

This's my 100th post! Whoo hoo!

 

[Thelazer]

I can't belive some of the people on here. Let me ask you this, you've worked at a company for 5 years. You love your job, you like seeing all the smileing faces everyday. You've even got a pension plan. Now, you tell me, are you willing to just walk away from that job because your not happy with your pay? How many of you have ever asked for a raise in your lifetime at your jobs? Do you think it's any differnt at Disney. All we are asking for is a decent raise and protection from being dropped down to 32 hours per week.

There is no strike, no pickiting, no one is calling in on the job, no one is handing out stuff to tourists in the parks.

Honestly though. I hope everyone one of you who has an issue with this, would walk up to your boss and say, "Give me a 4% Raise" or else I quit, and then do it. Really, quit your job.. tell me you did it, tell me you had no problem quiting right now, today because you could not get a raise. You guys should support the union's work at Disney. You should support the CM's who are asking nothing more than a cost of living increase.

 

[Glasgow]

Let me just stress that there are two sides to every story. You may think you know all of the details, but I'm sure no one here can say they know ALL the information that is getting passed around behind closed doors.

At any rate, I'm curious as to where all of these alleged Disney profits are going. At some point they need to roll it back into the Employees (the most important part of a business, especially one that sells this type of product).

By the way, did anyone see the article about the severance package that guy Ovitz was getting? $140 million for a year and a half of work? Oh man!

PS. I agree with the TheLazer's assessment - you can't always just pick up and leave a job due to low pay. There are other things that keep someone at a job other than just the money

 

[speck76]

At any rate, I'm curious as to where all of these alleged Disney profits are going. At some point they need to roll it back into the Employees (the most important part of a business, especially one that sells this type of product).

I believe they do, if the employees participate in a company sponsored 401K (or similar) program.....

Other than that, the company is responsible for giving the profits back to the investors.

There are many jobs I would probably enjoy better than they job I have (although I do like my job) but they would not provide me with the financial security that I have in my job. That is a tough decision to make, take a job you love versus a job that will support you, but it is a decision that everyone needs to make.

 

[brich]

I would love to work for Disney but unfortunetly, I can't support my family on Disney wages. Therefore, I have to pass on my dream to work for the Mouse. Disney has lots of employees that are willing and able to work for the given wages for many reasons. Therefore, they will continue to pay these low wages. Employment at Disney is no different than employment at any other place. If you can't afford to work there, then don't. If you continue to work there at these low wages, they will continue to pay at these low wages. I just don't get where people feel they are owed anything beyond what is offered.

I can't belive some of the people on here. Let me ask you this, you've worked at a company for 5 years. You love your job, you like seeing all the smileing faces everyday. You've even got a pension plan. Now, you tell me, are you willing to just walk away from that job because your not happy with your pay?

ABSOLUTELY. It's growning up and being responsible. I had a job for 6 years that was very enjoyable, very stable and very fun to go to every day. There was no way I could support my family the way I wanted to at the salary I was earning. So, I changed jobs so I could afford to provide and be able to bring my family on Disney vacations. I believe the majority of Disney employees are passionate, hard working and dedicated people. I really respect them for what they do compared to what they make. But, if the job isn't meeting your needs, it may be time to move on. I also don't think it's true to have a job you love OR a job that offers financial security. Good luck with the Unions efforts and sorry if my opinions don't jive with many of you :zipit:

 

[CSOM]

First, whatever the reason for work, they should still enjoy the right to be paid a decent wage for that work, for we as fans definitely pay a decent price for going to Walt Disney World.

Secondly, the love for Disney must be fading, and we as fans and tourists benefit by having workers who love Disney. Thus, Disney benefits by having and for cast members who love to work there and should reward them accordingly. It's kind of like a CIRCLE OF LIFE. Apparently, Disney management needs to revisit a particular movie to get a better concept of this idea.

Finally, tourists have everything to do with CMs wages and should know a little about how it treats those that play a HUGE part in whether or not the tourists go away (and hopefully come back) with a zip-a-dee-do-da feeling about Disney's themeparks. It's a balancing act to which both management and CMs have to give and to get some what. (Refer to part 2 above)

No one is forcing them to work there. They knew what the wages were when they accepted their jobs. If it wasn't enough, they could've and still can choose to work elsewhere. Unfortunately for them, the supply of labor at those rates is still obviously high, and the need for any special skills in that job are pretty low. Wages are basically set by a couple of things, supply and demand for the type of employees needed, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the job.

Being a CM who stands and loads people into a ride all day, really doesn't take any special skills, nor is there an apparant lack of supply for what they do. Disney, Universal, Sea World, etc. all pay the same basic rate, and none of them are hurting for employees, so apparantly they are not paying to little, according to the science of economics.

 

[jcraycraft]

I would love to work for Disney but unfortunetly, I can't support my family on Disney wages. Therefore, I have to pass on my dream to work for the Mouse.

Brich.... I have the same dream and have been working on wife that when I /we retire it’s off to WDW to work. I have sent several resumes to WDW but no hits yet. My current employer worries that I am going to go to WDW on vacation and not return :lol: . Oh well 20 more years to go!

 

[netenyahoo]

"The leaflets handed to tourists claim Disney is cutting workers' benefits and raising the cost of health insurance. And the union says those offers are coming despite Disney's double-digit profits."


I'm sorry, but I think health insurance costs are going up everywhere. I have to pay more, so I think the CMs can pay more too. It is just a fact of life and the CMs will have to live with that. As far as other benefits I would have to know what they are cutting to make a judgement.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I'm sorry, but I think health insurance costs are going up everywhere. I have to pay more, so I think the CMs can pay more too. It is just a fact of life and the CMs will have to live with that. As far as other benefits I would have to know what they are cutting to make a judgement.

Yes, I agree that health care costs are going up for everyone...but at the same time, in order to be able to pay the increase, they need a little more pay. Let's put it this way. I have a very good friend who has worked at WDW for 5+ years. If this contract goes through, she will be bringing home less than $80 a week after paying for the health benefits for both her and her daughter. Now, out of the $80, she needs to pay her house payments, her electricity, etc, AND $2,800 for a new roof since her's was ruined during the hurricanes.

I think about her all of the time and I feel sorry for her. I don't care about anybody saying that they can go get another job. It's not that easy...trust me. Let's give the CMs a break and stop harping on them for having a job. At least they are working and contributing to society...

*steps off my soapbox*

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[speck76]

"The leaflets handed to tourists claim Disney is cutting workers' benefits and raising the cost of health insurance. And the union says those offers are coming despite Disney's double-digit profits."


I'm sorry, but I think health insurance costs are going up everywhere. I have to pay more, so I think the CMs can pay more too. It is just a fact of life and the CMs will have to live with that. As far as other benefits I would have to know what they are cutting to make a judgement.

Thank you for mentioning this. WDW has for a very long time had the best insurance in the area at the cheapest costs (it any costs) to the employees. If the union really wants to show value to their members, they would fight the insurance companies, which are screwing WDW as much as they are the CM's.

 

[Yen_Sid1]

Yes, I agree that health care costs are going up for everyone...but at the same time, in order to be able to pay the increase, they need a little more pay. Let's put it this way. I have a very good friend who has worked at WDW for 5+ years. If this contract goes through, she will be bringing home less than $80 a week after paying for the health benefits for both her and her daughter. Now, out of the $80, she needs to pay her house payments, her electricity, etc, AND $2,800 for a new roof since her's was ruined during the hurricanes.

I think about her all of the time and I feel sorry for her. I don't care about anybody saying that they can go get another job. It's not that easy...trust me. Let's give the CMs a break and stop harping on them for having a job. At least they are working and contributing to society...

*steps off my soapbox*

TheDisneyGirl02

I'm a big union supporter, but sometimes there is misinformation on both sides.
There is no way that anybody's medical cost is going up by $80 a week!!
If she had the most expensive plan which is MED 90, for her and her daughter the price would be $47.50. In a HMO, the price would be $19.25. So a maybe a $ 10 - 20 a week increase would be more like it at the most.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

There is no way that anybody's medical cost is going up by $80 a week!!

From what she told me, she's going to be taking home $80, not paying $80 for her insurance. I'm sorry if I didn't say that right (I just get so upset when I think about her little girl who I just adore!)

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[speck76]

From what she told me, she's going to be taking home $80, not paying $80 for her insurance. I'm sorry if I didn't say that right (I just get so upset when I think about her little girl who I just adore!)

TheDisneyGirl02

I think your friend is stretching the truth a bit, either that, or she is not working full time. Besides, if she really is only bringing home $80 per week, she should really consider stepping up to the plate and bettering heself and her child, and get a better job. Even if they gave her a cost of living increase.....it would be about $3 per week (don't spend it all in one place).

 

[TURKEY]

Most non management Disney Employees are Students and Retired people, who work to supplement their incomes and educations.

They all know what the pay is when they get hired.
So this excuse about dirt pay doesn't cut the mustard in my book.

I don't know of ANY non management Disney Castmembers who are attempting to support a family on Disney wages.
Most are either 2nd income adults or kids.

Most (not ALL mind you) come to work for Disney for the Love of Disney.

While I agree that yearly raises should be offered, they don't have to be.
The cost of medical insurance has skyrocketed over the last 10 years forcing ALL employers to cut benefits and raise insurance rates..not just Disney.

While I have always supported unions and have been a part of many, I don't support handing out leaflets at Orlando International Airport.

The tourists have nothing to do with Disney Castmembers wages and therefore should not be asked to get involved.

I know lots of people that work for Disney for the love of Disney, but are there supporting families, aren't college students, or retired.

 

[GoofMaul]

I don't care about anybody saying that they can go get another job. It's not that easy...trust me. Let's give the CMs a break and stop harping on them for having a job. At least they are working and contributing to society...

I can't believe in a DISNEY forum there are so many insensitive people. These people would probably be the same ones telling homeless people to get a job. Try that without an address. Lets put it in perspective, the job situation is not as good as it can be, so telling people to just quit is downright dumb. Health insurance costs rising IS A PROBLEM nobody disagrees with that just how to fix it and while everyone squabbles nothing gets done. Someone making $8/hr is much more affected by minor cost increases than someone making much more because disposable income doesn't exist for some of these people. Although they do have job satisfaction, it doesn't mean they shouldn't get paid fairly. Many of these fine people that make us HAPPY when we go to WDW are barely getting by on the wages they make. Please show a little more compassion for these selfless individuals. If I were an executive at the Disney Company, I would at least have the understanding that these employees are the life blood of the company and if helping them get by from day to day meant giving up million dollar bonuses, then so be it. Heck, if I made as much as Eisner, I would take a pay cut to help the lower wage workers. But, Eisner and pals don't really see things like some of us because I believe they are....whats the term I am looking for...oh yes...SELFISH!!!

 

[Sledge]

Is this EVERYONE or just the ride operators, characters, garbage sweepers (for lack of a better term), etc. Basically the people that do the "dirty work" in the park, or is it more than just them?

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I can't believe in a DISNEY forum there are so many insensitive people. These people would probably be the same ones telling homeless people to get a job. Try that without an address.

I wasn't trying to be insensitive by saying that...I'm as far from insensitive as one can get. I feel sorry for everybody who doesn't get paid as well as they should. I work for Disney and just found out that seasonals make less than $.25 less than I do. Thankfully that's not my only job...but still. I for one am glad all of the CM work at WDW to make my vacation more magical. ON the day hurricane charlie hit, I was thanking CM for coming into work so I could enjoy at least part of my day on my vacation. I just wish that the company overall would appreciate them as much as I do.

TheDisneyGirl02