After news broke last week broke that non-union Disneyland Resort cast members would be furloughed effective April 19th, resort leadership has been in talks with union leaders about the furloughing of union staff as well, according to The Orange County Register‘s Brady MacDonald. Now, it seems Disneyland has reached an agreement with 10 more unions representing food and beverage workers, pyrotechnicians, sound mechanics, stage managers, stage technicians and other employees on a temporary furlough.
The 10 unions in the agreement include Workers United Local 50, Master Services Council, Craft Maintenance Council, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees locals 706, 504 and 923, Laborers’ Local 652, Operating Engineers Local 501, Teamsters Local 495 and Independent Employee Service Association. Workers United Local 50 in particular represents 7,850 food and beverage workers at Disneyland Resort. All have agreed to proceed with the furlough beginning April 19.
The following statement was released regarding the furlough agreement:
“Disney has reached agreements with several unions for hourly cast members that will maintain members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs during a temporary furlough effective April 19. These agreements provide an easier return to work when our community recovers from the impact of COVID-19. We are grateful to have worked together in good faith to help our cast members navigate these unprecedented times.”
Disney has agreed to extend members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support, and additional employee assistance programs for security employees. Most recently, the union representing Disneyland’s security staff arrived at a similar agreement. Essential security personnel continues to work throughout the extended parks closure. Essential Cast Members that continue to work at Walt Disney World throughout the pandemic are also now allowed to wear face masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Other unions remain in negotiations with Disneyland at this time.