The Service Trades Council Union, which represents more than half of the 77,000 Cast Members at Walt Disney World, says that it has reached a furlough agreement with the company.
The coalition of six locals represents 40,000 employees in various areas, including theme park characters, ride attendants, hotel housekeepers, custodians, vacation planners, lifeguards, entertainment technicians, and bus drivers.
A press release from the union said that the agreement “addresses union members’ benefits, employment status, and future return to work.”
Furlough agreements with other unions start April 19th and include the continuation of education programs and health insurance, with Disney paying the full premiums.
Yesterday, agreements were also reached with the International Union, Security, Police, and Fire Professionals of America and the North America’s Building Trades Unions Craft Maintenance Council. Agreements were reached previously with the American Federation of Musicians Local 389 and the union that represents call center employees.
UPDATE: The agreement with the STCU is similar to what was reached with other unions. Here are highlights:
- Jobs, wage rate, and benefits are guaranteed through at least 12 months of furlough, with seniority guaranteed beyond that.
- Insurance (medical, dental, life) will continue through up to 12 months of furlough. Disney will pay both the employer and employee insurance premiums.
- Employees can choose weekly pay out for vacation, floating holidays, or paid time off.
- Disney education programs will continue.
Source: Orlando Sentinel / STCU
