Cast Member Unions, Disney, Reach Tentative New Deal, Pay Increase on the Way

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Cast Member Unions and Disney reach new agreement for higher pay

Credit: Ashley Carter

As of 5 p.m. today, March 23, 2023, the Cast Member Unions met with Walt Disney World regarding their ongoing battle for higher pay. Finally, after 201 days of bargaining and 505 days, Cast Member Unions have agreed on a pay increase since Cast Members received their last pay increase. Here are the details that were just released.

Related: Disney Employees Pushing For Higher Pay Once Again

Cast Members pose for a photo
Credit: Disney World Resort

Contract negotiations began in the fall of 2022 in central Florida when Walt Disney World Resort clashed with Cast Member union workers (Service Trades Council Union) following a delayed sit-down due to Hurricane Ian. Then, again, negotiations for Disney Cast Member Unions pay increase abruptly ended in the early winter of 2022. The talks did pick back up towards the end of the year when Disney Cast Members protested outdoors in front of a Disney Park. However, the Service Trades Council Union negotiations have not been going well, as Disney Cast Members rejected a $1-per-hour pay increase proposed earlier this year. Here are the new details about the Disney Cast Member Unions pay increase.

Related: Disney Confirms Major Layoffs Will Affect Parks

Magic Kingdom Station
Credit: Inside the Magic

Wyndham Orlando Resort and Conference Center, located in central Florida, are where Cast Members unions and Disney met to reach a new agreement about a recent pay raise for ALL Cast Member Union workers. The agreement details Disney Cast Members will begin to receive a minimum of $5.50, with the plan to reach $18 per hour by the end of the year (if the contract is agreed upon, Union confirms all CMs will get at least $5.50 or more throughout the agreement). For Cast Members at Disney World making the minimum currently, this contract will provide 36% or more general wage increases over the deal’s life. Disney will collect data and reports to release their new plans officially. Voting on this new agreement will take place on Wednesday, March 29, at 7 p.m.

Cast Members watching the Happily Ever After preview
Credit: Disney

Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, just released a statement on the tentative agreement for a pay increase for Disney World Cast Member Unions:

“Our Cast Members are central to Walt Disney World’s enduring magic, which is why we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement. Disney is proud to offer an industry-leading employment package that includes comprehensive benefits and affordable medical coverage, in addition to 100 percent paid tuition for higher education for hourly employees through the Disney Aspire program. With the support of the unions, we anticipate Cast Members will approve this new agreement.”

With this new information circulating the social media platforms, time will tell if the agreement is worth the time and effort of the Disney World Cast Member unions or if further negotiations need to occur. This deal sounds like a match made in heaven for all Disney Cast Members. Not too long ago, Universal Orlando announced a pay increase for their hourly workers, making Disney workers rethink their current pay. There is no word from Disneyland Resort regarding this latest news on retroactive pay.

What do you think about this potential Disney Cast Member Unions pay increase? Sounds off in the comments below.

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