NEWS: Disney World Union Announces Expansion Effort for Restaurant Workers

On Wednesday, September 18th, UNITE HERE Local 737 held a press conference regarding working conditions at Disney Springs restaurants that are not owned by Disney.

Local 737 Union

At this press conference, Local 737 released a report about the working conditions, and Disney Springs restaurant workers spoke about their personal experiences.

Local 737 represents over 19,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members who work in Food & Beverage and Housekeeping. Additionally, the union represents workers at other locations near Disney World.

©Local 737

The Local 737 Union released a report about the working conditions at non-Disney-owned restaurants at Disney Springs. In the report, the union included data gathered from 69 workers from 18 non-Disney-owned locations.

Disney Springs

It was reported that 59% of these workers were part-time. As well, 46% of the respondents had no health insurance and 19% of the respondents have health insurance through their job. Additionally, 28% of the respondents received paid sick time or paid vacation time. You can view the report here.

Releasing a report about some restaurant workers at Disney Springs

The report compared these statistics to those of Disney Cast Members and found a gap between those who worked for Disney and those who worked at non-Disney-owned Disney Springs restaurants.

Disney Springs

When visiting Disney Springs, you might assume that all the restaurants are operated by Disney. However, there are 56 restaurants, bars, and other food service venues in Disney Springs that are operated by other companies. Jeremy Haicken, President of Local 737, stated that the workers at non-Disney-owned restaurants do not have access to the same pay and benefits as Disney Cast Members. The union says it is going to fight for better working conditions for these workers.

Local 737 Press Conference

Delaware North employees present at the press conference said they have been asking to form a union. Delaware North is the owner of the Patina Restaurant Group which owns numerous restaurants including Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia, and more.