2
Credit: DisneyYesterday, Disneyland fans, Cast Members, and executives were all disappointed to learn that Governor Gavin Newsom will be requiring California counties to reach the COVID-19 “minimal” yellow tier before reopening large theme parks, such as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
There is, however, some good news for certain Disneyland Resort union workers to look forward to in these uncertain times. The unions have reached agreements with the Disneyland Resort regarding not only layoffs but the recall process, as well.
Related:Â Disney Layoffs Target Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Cast Members
Workers Local 50 shared these details about a deal with The Walt Disney Company on their official Facebook page:
ATTENTION LOCAL 50 MEMBERS: DISNEY AND LOCAL 50 HAVE COME TO AN OFFICAL AGREEMENT, HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
Posted by Workers United Local 50 on Monday, October 19, 2020
Key points from this union agreement include:
- Recalled employees will retain seniority and pay, including increases, as if they had been active.Â
- For the first 12 months following layoff, Disney will contact and recall employees in seniority by scheduling group and classification
- When recalled, employees will have 2 weeks to return to work unless mutually agreed upon by Disney and the employee.Â
- Local 50 was able to negotiate extended recall rights for 12 additional months to December 31, 2022.Â
- The company has agreed to not hire new employees until qualified employees on recall have returned.
In short, this means that any eligible Disneyland Resort Local 50 union members who are laid-off will be recalled to their former positions without losing seniority or pay.
Related:Â Disneyland Unions Write to Newsom Asking for Collaboration
The Unite Here! Local 11 union also reached an agreement with The Walt Disney Company earlier this week. Their official agreement includes these stipulations:
Recall and Safety:
- Disney has committed to provide COVID testing
- 2 weeks’ pay for those forced to quarantine due to positive test or exposure at work
- Dedicated staff to enforce social distancing
- Strict mask mandate
- Daily temperature taking and health checklist for all employees
- Provision of all necessary PPE
- Improved ventilation
Terms of Agreement on Layoffs:
- 943 laid off out of 2700
- 24 months recall protection
- 2 months’ pay and benefits (November and December 2020)
- Health coverage continues fully paid for eligible employees who are not laid off
- Automatic transition to retirement perks for eligible employees who are laid off
These benefits are great news for all Disneyland Resort workers who are part of Local 11, particularly the nearly 950 unionized employees from this particular union who were part of Disney’s recent round of layoffs.
We are excited to hear some positive news for Disneyland Cast Members amid the turmoil in California’s theme park industry right now. Let us know in the comments below if you have more encouraging news for Cast Members.