Credit: Inside The MagicIn a heated battle for labor rights, Unite Here Local 737 is rallying for third-party restaurant workers at Disney Springs to gain union representation.
Union Push Grows Stronger for Disney Springs Workers
This effort, which has been building momentum over recent months, took center stage at a recent press conference where union leaders and workers voiced ongoing concerns about unfair treatment and workplace safety. Specifically, the union spotlighted allegations of sexual harassment against a manager at Pizza Ponte, a third-party establishment operated by Patina Restaurant Group, adding to the case for union support.
This incident exemplifies the struggle many third-party workers face in their daily lives on the House of Mouse property, where they adhere to the House of Mouse’s high standards but remain without the benefits enjoyed by Disney-employed Cast Members at Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.
Allegations Spark Call for Unionization
The call for union representation grew louder after multiple employees reported harassment by a Pizza Ponte manager. Workers stated that no disciplinary action was taken, despite multiple complaints. Instead, one employee, who had participated in union rallies, was terminated over a minor dress code violation—wearing a single earbud at work. Unite Here Local 737 highlighted this example to underscore the unique pressures third-party workers face in a high-stakes environment, with little recourse for workplace grievances.
Joining the press conference was State Representative Anna Eskamani, a known advocate for the House of Mouse employees, who voiced her support for the workers and criticized the inequities that third-party employees experience compared to their Disney-employed counterparts. Eskamani emphasized the frequent guest misunderstanding of who is—and isn’t—a Disney Cast Member, as many third-party workers wear Disney-esque costumes and maintain Disney-level service, blurring the lines between the House of Mouse and subcontracted workers.
“Second-Class” Jobs: A Pressing Concern
Unite Here Local 737 has labeled third-party jobs at Disney Springs as “second-class” due to significant disparities in benefits. A report published in September painted a picture of stark inequality among Disney Springs workers.
While Cast Members employed directly by the House of Mouse receive a wide range of benefits, including healthcare, paid sick leave, and vacation time, third-party employees often lack these essential protections. Based on a survey of 69 workers at 18 subcontracted locations, the findings revealed:
- 59% of surveyed employees are part-time, while only 31% of unionized Disney Cast Members fall into this category.
- 46% have no health insurance, compared to full-time House of Mouse employees who are eligible.
- Only 19% receive health insurance through their third-party employer.
- 28% have paid sick time and 28% receive paid vacation—far below Disney union member benefits.
With over 50 third-party dining and retail locations at Disney Springs alone, the data, though limited to 18, reflect a widespread reality. These disparities underscore why third-party workers are intensifying efforts for union support, pointing to the April 2024 announcement by workers at Patina Group establishments—such as The Edison, Pizza Ponte, and Morimoto Asia—who united in a call to unionize with Local 737.
The Growing Movement for Change at Disney Springs
Jeremy Haicken, president of Unite Here Local 737, has made it clear that the union is determined to eliminate “second-class” status for third-party workers at Disney Springs. With more than 19,000 unionized Disney Cast Members enjoying some of the best jobs in the Orlando hospitality industry, Haicken asserts it is unacceptable that workers on Orlando House of Mouse property are left without basic protections.
Haicken stated, “It’s absolutely unacceptable that there is a second class of workers doing the same work, right on the same property.”
The union’s vision is to extend these benefits to subcontracted employees at Disney Springs, closing the gap between the treatment of third-party workers and Cast Members. Haicken argues that the efforts are not just about fair compensation but also about creating a safer and more equitable work environment for all who contribute to the Disney experience.
Implications for Disney’s Future and Guest Experiences
As the unionization drive at Disney Springs gains traction, it may signal significant changes on the horizon—not only for third-party workers but also for Disney World and its guests. If successful, the movement could potentially lead to improved job conditions and benefits for hundreds of subcontracted workers, aligning third-party standards more closely with those upheld by Disney Cast Members.
For Disney, this change could mean a tighter hold on quality control across its properties, ensuring that all employees, regardless of employer, uphold Disney’s standards and guest experience expectations. However, this could come at an operational cost, as third-party companies may have to adjust business models to accommodate higher wages and benefits. For House of Mouse guests, particularly those visiting Disney Springs, these changes could foster a more consistent level of service and increase satisfaction.
This push for fair treatment may also shed light on how Disney approaches subcontracted roles in the future. As the industry shifts toward higher expectations for worker benefits, Disney’s reliance on third-party vendors might evolve, with potential adjustments in its contractor agreements to promote equitable treatment across the board for these workers, theme park workers, and more..
The Future of Third-Party Workers at Disney Springs
The union drive’s success could empower subcontracted employees across other House of Mouse properties, including Disneyland in California and potentially other theme parks nationwide, setting a precedent in the entertainment and hospitality industry. More importantly, for the Disney brand, a move to ensure all workers on its property are treated equitably could strengthen Disney’s reputation as a company committed to fair labor practices.
An Uncertain Future at Disney Springs
The support from local government figures, like Representative Eskamani, is likely to encourage other political advocates to step forward, amplifying the voices of Disney Springs workers and adding pressure on companies like the Patina Restaurant Group. The attention could ultimately push for greater oversight of how third-party establishments treat their workers.
As Disney Springs prepares for its holiday season—a peak time for dining and shopping—the union push is set to become a pressing issue, both for the House of Mouse as a property owner and for third-party vendors looking to retain loyal staff. The outcome will likely shape not just the working conditions for third-party employees but also the overall guest experience at one of the world’s most renowned entertainment destinations.