Representatives of the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) came together at a press conference in Orlando to send a clear message to recommend members vote no on Disney’s latest contract proposal. Disney is proposing raises of $1 a year for most workers, but the main message from the press conference was that $1 is not enough to pay for the cost-of-living crisis workers face in central Florida.
A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone. UNITE HERE issued a report showing the consequences of low tourism on workers’ wages; evidence makes a case for an immediate real wage increase. Rent and other expenses have skyrocketed, leaving workers in an emergency.
This latest proposal from Disney leaves behind a clear majority of the workforce and would offer only a $1 raise to over 30,000 cast members.
“The unions have been clear from our very first bargaining session that a dollar in the first year is not enough,” said Matt Hollis, TCU/IAM National Vice President and president of the STCU “A dollar does not afford Disney workers with the ability to keep up with the skyrocketing rent increases. And a dollar does not afford Disney workers with the ability to continue to purchase basic necessities, such as food, gas and utilities.”
“We came to Disney to provide magical experiences every day and every night. My bills have gone up like everyone else. We need to stand together as cast members and vote NO!” said TCU Local 1908 Member Nicole Bailey
The six affiliate unions representing workers in the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) are IATSE Local 631; Teamsters Local 385, TCU/IAM Local 1908; UFCW Local 1625; UNITE HERE! Local 362; and UNITE HERE Local 737.
A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone.
Members of the Service Trades Council Union will vote to accept or reject Disney’s latest contract proposal during the vote on Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3.