Disney Reaches Furlough Agreement with Cast Member Union - Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World has officially came to an agreement with one Cast Member union regarding furloughs.

News Breakdown

• Walt Disney World Resort in Florida came to an official agreement with the American Federation of Musicians Local 389, which represents several performers who work for Disney.
• Disney will maintain the health insurance benefits coverage, educational support, and additional employee assistance programs for hourly entertainment musician Cast Members during the temporary furlough, which will be in effect beginning April 19.
• At this time it is unclear how many Cast Members are represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 389.
• There are several other unions which represent Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members, so more agreements are expected to be reached.
• Disney already stated that non-union employees would be furloughed. 

Official Statement

Orlando Business Journal reported the official statement regarding the agreement between Walt Disney World Resort and the American Federation of Musicians Local 389. You can read the statement below:

American Federation of Musicians Local 389 and Disney have reached an agreement that will maintain members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs for hourly entertainment musician Cast Members during a temporary furlough effective April 19. This agreement provides 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.

Disneyland Union Update

Over on the west coast, Disneyland Resort continues to work with Cast Member unions in hopes of reaching an agreement. Like unions representing CMs at Disney World, those representing Disneyland CMs want their members to have job security after the parks reopen. You can read our latest coverage here. 

Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for more information regarding Disney theme park closures and how Cast Members continue to be affected.