Disney plans MORE layoffs

[CTXRover]

Re: Layoffs

Originally posted by HennieBogan1966
Just spitballing here, but could this be some sort of retaliation for a lack of support for Mr. Eisner?

I don't think so. There were talks of these layoffs a while back I believe, well before what happened this week. I don't agree with them, especially before the holidays, but I really don't think Eisner is as involved in all these things. Sure, he is probably the one demanding WDW meet certain cost/$$ guidelines, but it isn't his demanding of people being fired.

I think its time for Eisner to go too and I support Roy's efforts completly, but the more I think about it the more I got to give the guy a break. Everyone will pound on him for the "bad" things and as the CEO he kind of asks for it, but I haven't heard anything from anyone that would praise Eisner for the good stuff. In just the theme park aspect of the company, take for instance if anyone would ever say "thank you Eisner for allowing Wishes to be designed and installed at the MK", but everyone is quick to blame Eisner for Adventureland opening an hour late on some days or COP being closed. Or how about crediting Eisner for the park's amazing hours this holiday season. MK open from 8am-midnight most nights, AK open from 8am-7pm, MGM from 8am-10:00pm. But back when times were "tougher", I can remember everyone blaming Eisner for the "shorter hours" when MK was open 9-10 on most nights of the busier season. This isn't meant to be a pro-Eisner post, just a "give the guy some credit" post.

 

[Mr D]

Has there been any percentage of castmembers here on the boards that have been laid off? perhaps it would be wise not to advertise if you are a CM for the time being folks.

 

[WDWGuy]

Through all of the "Magic" and the special feelings we all have about Walt Disney World...

We must NEVER forget...this is a BUSINESS first...and unfortunately this is yet another fine example of WDW Co. continuing effort to pinch pennies whenever they can.

It will never stop.

If you're looking fo job security, one should consider jobs that are needed YEAR round and ample in need for new cast members...its just the way it is...

Although it is sad to think that most Guests won't hear about this type of thing....but then again most guest are visitng Epcot and MK..not a banquet at coronado

WDWGuy

 

[OliveMcFly]

Layoffs Stink! Another note...X2 do you work at RNR as well as MS?

 

[HennieBogan1966]

I am willing to give credit where it is due, but to say that Mr. Eisner should be credited with the new park hours is kind of slight of hand. For years the park had longer hours all year round, when I was much younger, and when the parks prospered under different leadership. This isn't some "new" idea or some sort of "gift" on his part. He is merely doing what a lot people have been asking for and complaining about for a long time. My Wife and I have made our last 2 trips during value season. And our only complaint then was about the park hours. You have to really be on your game to get around to a lot in a day during value season.

Again, I'm sure that there were great gains made when things were going well, and that Mr. Eisner deserves credit for a lot of those gains. However, as in any part of life, knowing what adjustments to make, and when to make them, is sometimes the key to your success in those endeavors. I don't believe that Mr.
Eisner any longer shares the LONG TERM vision needed to make the company successful. As well, I believe he has "lost" the trust and loyalty of a great percentage of the castmembers throughout the company.

I believe all of us here in these forums just wants what is best for the company. Yes, some will have loyalty to the Disney name, but for the most part, I believe that we are all on the same page as far as long term health of the Company is concerned.

And while I would agree that layoffs are nothing new to any company, I truly feel that it's time for companies in this country to change their business practices with regard to that "EASY WAY OUT!!!" Bring company loyalty back by taking back million dollar bonus babies. Maybe if big shots weren't getting fat bonus checks for failure, and instead the company prospered due to dedication to your work, and the product you produced. Again, this is aimed at those that sit in high places who don't care about the paying customer, and instead, do it for the FAT CHECK. Whatever happened to working for a company because you love the company, or the product the company offers?

Does EVERYTHING ALWAYS have to revolve around money? And would Walt Disney himself have this same attitude today? I think not!!!

 

[prberk]

I wonder if this has to do with Feature Animation.... Remember, weren't they all told to go home and have a nice holiday; that a decision would be made by January?

I just hope this is not them also....

 

[Glasgow]

The timing really stinks, but keep in mind that Disney is a business that intends to make money, just like any other business. If it doesn't make money, then it has to go bankrupt. Look at it this way - if they didn't lay off people then they'd eventually accrue enough debt to force them to close completely. That would be so great, would it?!

Sorry for all of those folks that will be losing their job at Xmas though. That is just sad

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by Glasgow
The timing really stinks, but keep in mind that Disney is a business that intends to make money, just like any other business. If it doesn't make money, then it has to go bankrupt. Look at it this way - if they didn't lay off people then they'd eventually accrue enough debt to force them to close completely. That would be so great, would it?!

Sorry for all of those folks that will be losing their job at Xmas though. That is just sad

Disney is more than a business...they're a corporation...and sure layoffs are essential for a business to survive sometime...but there is just something not fair about the powers that be at Disney giving themselves huge bonuses (more money sometimes than most of that are being laid off have ever seen) when people are losing their jobs because supposedly the company is taking a loss.....thats just not right....and if a company is going to take a stance like that well then...alot of negativity will ensue as a result from its employees...

It is sad that people should lose their jobs, especially in the holidays...but hey that corporate life I guess...

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by objr
Disney is more than a business...they're a corporation...and sure layoffs are essential for a business to survive sometime...but there is just something not fair about the powers that be at Disney giving themselves huge bonuses (more money sometimes than most of that are being laid off have ever seen) when people are losing their jobs because supposedly the company is taking a loss.....thats just not right....and if a company is going to take a stance like that well then...alot of negativity will ensue as a result from its employees...

It is sad that people should lose their jobs, especially in the holidays...but hey that corporate life I guess...

No one ever said Walt Disney World was losing money. They are saying WDW isn't making as much profit as it used to make. Over the years, a lot of inefficiencies have developed at the World.

For example, one has to wonder why it takes almsot 1000 bus drivers to operate about 250 busses when in other transit systems covering similar sized areas it takes about 1000 personnell total (drivers, maintenance, admin) to operate about 450 busses?

Thats just one example. I am sure there are others and these banquet folks could very well be one of them.

I dont like to see people lose jobs especially before the holidays but it seems thats the time of year company's like to target for staff reductions. However, I also don't like to see people keep their jobs when the positions aren't necessary anymore. The people affected by these eliminations are certainly being offered other positions within the food service areas as there are many positions to be filled there. The payrate is different but then again so is the difference between having a job and benefits and joing the unemployment line.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by prberk
I wonder if this has to do with Feature Animation.... Remember, weren't they all told to go home and have a nice holiday; that a decision would be made by January?

I just hope this is not them also....

Feature Animation finds out on or about January 15th what their fate will hold. One might infer their fate from the fact that they took their personal items with them when they went home and those who easily could have begun the process of relocating to Southern California where animators jobs are more plentiful.

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by niteobsrvr
Over the years, a lot of inefficiencies have developed at the World.
I dont like to see people lose jobs especially before the holidays but it seems thats the time of year company's like to target for staff reductions. However, I also don't like to see people keep their jobs when the positions aren't necessary anymore.

What say you to the Execs giving themselves huge bonuses? Is that really necessary?? I mean doesn't sound like efficient money sense to me...I know it makes sense to them....

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by objr
What say you to the Execs giving themselves huge bonuses? Is that really necessary?? I mean doesn't sound like efficient money sense to me...I know it makes sense to them....

Executive bonusses are often tied to things like cutting costs and improving operations. I personally don't find the current bonusses to be that huge. The past large Eisner bonnuses were actually stock options that were issued years ago.

You have to keep in mind the average executive doesnt make that much money. There are Hollywood stars who make more for one film that some execs will make in 2 to 3 years or more.

It also has to be kept in perspective, the average line emplyee works 40 hours a week and goes home and doesnt have reporters chasing him or her and so on. The average executive on the other hand may not see his home and family for several weeks at a time. Rarely takes a real vacation where business matters dont have to be attended too and has a whole lot of expectations for community involvement, industry associations, etc.

If we would have to do all of these things and have little or no private time, we would expect to be heavily compensated also.

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by niteobsrvr
If we would have to do all of these things and have little or no private time, we would expect to be heavily compensated also.

Anyone that works hard EXPECTS to be heavily compensated...no matter who you are or your position...

However...you make valid points...

 

[1000th_Guest]

This is just a guess:

Federal and State labor laws define minimum advance notification periods, depending upon the size of the layoffs.

My guess is that Dec. 14th they will announce post-holiday-season layoffs due to expected attendence dropoffs.

 

[Pixie Duster]

You know I am going to do my best not to worry about this. I know I am a great cast member and I do the best I can every day that I work, but I can't help to be a tad bit concerned.

 

[prberk]

All I can say is that there is a difference between "unnecessary" positions and "underutilized" positions. When it comes down to it, almost nothing at Walt Disney is "necessary," but it certainly makes its money in gold when it is "utilized" well.....

Walt Disney did not build his dreams on what was practical in the short-term, nor even what was "necessary;" but instead he took the talent and resources that he had and "went long." ... And the money followed.

Not all layoffs are bad, but they are bad when talent and experience is thrown away at the expense of good management and vision, such as would be the case in decimating the Feature Animation artist department, as well as other imaginative positions. What Roy said about the company "training" a lot of good talent for other corporations applies at many levels.

ARGGGHHH!

 

[General Grizz]

Originally posted by prberk
ARGGGHHH!

I'm with you!

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by prberk
All I can say is that there is a difference between "unnecessary" positions and "underutilized" positions. When it comes down to it, almost nothing at Walt Disney is "necessary," but it certainly makes its money in gold when it is "utilized" well.....

Walt Disney did not build his dreams on what was practical in the short-term, nor even what was "necessary;" but instead he took the talent and resources that he had and "went long." ... And the money followed.

Not all layoffs are bad, but they are bad when talent and experience is thrown away at the expense of good management and vision, such as would be the case in decimating the Feature Animation artist department, as well as other imaginative positions. What Roy said about the company "training" a lot of good talent for other corporations applies at many levels.

ARGGGHHH!

Well said.

Feature Animation Florida has created some of the most memorable characters and movies of the last couple of years to come out of Disney....to close it would be in my opinion rediculous...I don't even want to imagine what they'll use the building space for.....*sigh*

 

[Pixie Duster]

Don't give 'em any ideas

 

[prberk]

Originally posted by Pixie Duster
Don't give 'em any ideas

Well, you know they need more space for a character meet-n-greet....

*takes cover from the brickbats assailing him*


Anyway, does anyone know whether there is even an animator in the tour now, since it reopened? The Orlando Sentinel today says that it is open, and that customers who ask about the empty desks are being told that the animators are "on a break," but it does not say whether there is still at least the live animator doing the drawing demonstration now.... (Imagine the questions he/she fields if they are there....)