Walt Disney World Resort and unions have reached an agreement where the Resort’s cast members will be vaccinated. The Service Trade Council Union and Walt Disney World’s agreement requires cast members to be able to show proof of vaccination by October 22, 2021.
The Service Trade Council Union is made up of six unions representing Walt Disney World Resort cast members. There will be exemptions for cast members with “medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs” through a process that was negotiated. According to a Union release, the process will be prompt. There will also be the possibility for a cast member who is denied an exemption to file a grievance or to dispute the decision. Cast members who choose not to be vaccinated by October 22nd will be separated from Disney. They will be given a “yes” rehire status, however.
Along with requiring vaccinations for cast members, Walt Disney World Resort will also make vaccines “readily available.” Disney will be hosting an on-site vaccination event for several weeks. Cast members interested in this are instructed to visit the HUB or more information. This news comes as the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine today as well. The vaccines are “safe, effective, and free” a release from the union states.
This development in cast members getting vaccinated is the most recent update to this story. On July 30, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that all salaried and non-union employees/cast members would be required to be vaccinated. He also shared that Disney would be speaking with unions towards the same end. While this a huge step forward for Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, there currently are no updates regarding Disneyland unions.
What do you think of this agreement between Walt Disney World Resort and its unions? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
