Petitioning No Rehire status

[wdwmagic17]

Hi all,

I was on the WDW College Program in 2013. I had a really good position that I enjoyed, with co-workers and managers I'm still in touch with/friends with today. I believe I only ever had 1 point (due to being sick/calling out once), and no reprimands. I was a very diligent, hard worker.

Unfortunately, I now have a no rehire status due to something that happened to me while I was at Disney. Within the last 2 months of my program (I was there for 7 mos.), I was assaulted/taken advantage of by someone who also lived in Disney Housing. Luckily, I made it out okay. Of course, you hear stories about this happening to others who have done the CP, but never think it will happen to you. I reported it shortly after it happened, although I was hesitant to, because I didn't want it to affect my job or anything like that. But I also didn't want anyone else to become a victim like me.

After I reported it, Disney Housing appeared to be very empathetic to my situation, and insisted that I file an official report with Security and report it to the local authorities. At the time I didn't know who my attacker was, so they had a detective come speak with me (they eventually figured it out). In the following weeks, Security would come knocking at my door at random times of the day, or Housing would call me while I was at work, asking me to come in to meet with them to speak about the situation yet again -- it became hell for me, to the point where I was considering self-terming because I didn't know if it would ever end.

Then one day, while I was on my way to work, I was called by Housing and asked to come in to the office. I was asked to meet with a Disney Corporate/HR person regarding the situation. She told me that she had also spoken to my attacker (who I am assuming told them this never happened) but couldn't disclose any information with me. After she left, the Housing Manager informed me that I was going to be terminated, and had only a few days to pack up and leave. They also told me I would be able to apply again after 1 year, after being in school/having some work experience.

I couldn't understand why this happened, because up until that point, Housing had been 100% on my side. The only conclusion I could come to is that Disney simply doesn't want people who cause 'drama', which I guess I did by reporting a situation that I thought would help other young women.

Since leaving, I have completed my degree, and have 2 years of professional work experience. The reason I want to work for Disney again is because I am an artist/designer who has always dreamed of working for Disney as an artist (but I would be content to work in the parks again, to work up to a professional position there). But I am worried that I will never be able to because of my rehire status.

I just spoke with Casting on the phone earlier today, and they informed me that I had a no rehire status and I was not able to petition it at this time (she was not able to tell me why), but maybe I could try again after another year. I would do anything to petition this -- but I'm not sure if it would be worth it to try, as I've heard that even if you go into Casting you won't necessarily get a chance. But I honestly believe I deserve to work for the Company again and am willing to do whatever it takes.

Does anyone have any advice on what to do, or if it'd be worth a shot to try to go to the Casting office? Or will I never have a chance to work for Disney again?

 

[Domosuke]

I'm honestly at a loss for thoughts. Why the hell did they fire you, in addition to giving you a restricted rehire?

I'm so sorry that happened to you. You did the right thing by reporting it, as you are right. Who knows how many other girls that degenerate tried to, or is willing to attack? So yes reporting him was the right thing to do.

I just don't see where you went wrong. I mean, you said they called you in during your shifts for their investigation on your attack. But how is that wrong? You are preventing a crime here.

Usually those who are fired over petty reasons and given a restricted rehire, still were at fault and should have known better. Like for example I've known bus boys who were fired for eating leftover food that guests were going to throw away anyways backstage. I have also known someone who got fired for eating melted ice cream cone that a guest never claimed after the park was closed. Another cast member I know was fired for friendly flirting with a costumed character backstage.

Even me for example. I was fired because I got lost backstage after midnight trying to go home from a new location I was working at, and I ended up somewhere I wasn't supposed to be. They assumed I was trespassing and to them I could have been in cardiac arrest and it wouldn't have mattered. I should have never been in that area. So it was still mildly my fault, but it wasn't termination worthy.

Going back to your situation, I would definitely try to appeal it. Write a letter to HR and the people that run the CP or whatever part of Disney you're trying to get in, get your past acquaintances at Disney to vouch for you, and explain the situation more.

I think being that you did absolutely nothing wrong but report an incident that could have gotten you killed, the fact you have years of experience in another company, I don't see why you can't be rehired.

If all else, the person above also made a good point. Sometimes things happen for reason and god plans things out in a certain way. You don't have to work for Disney to be an artist. You and hundreds of others want that same dream at Disney. Some that have worked entry level jobs for years want to be imagineers and can't be.

I want you to take care, and god bless.