Union workers representing thousands of workers at Walt Disney World Resort today announced that an agreement had been reached between their negotiators and that of the company. According to the Service Trades Council Union, all current theme park workers will receive a raise between $5.50 and $8.60 per hour by the end of the contract, with the first $3 in raises arriving this year. The agreement still needs to be ratified by union members.
“Securing an $18 minimum hourly rate this year, increasing the overall economic value of Disney’s original offer and ensuring full back pay for every worker are the priorities union members were determined to fight for,” STCU President Matt Hollis said.
Union leaders said that under this agreement, workers in jobs that currently earn a minimum of $15 would see a retroactive raise to $16 per hour as of October 1, 2022. It would also increase that rate to $17 per hour once ratified and $18 by December 2022.
The agreement will net an $18 minimum wage of $18 per hour for union workers this year. It will also increase the minimum wage for current employees to $20.50 by October 2026. Workers hired after December 3, 2023 will see their minimum wage increase to $20 per hour by October 2026, union leaders say.
According to union leaders, the following roles would receive wages increased and also retroactive raises to October 2022:
- Union Housekeepers: increase from $17 to $20 immediately, ending at $24 in October 2026
- Union Dishwashers: increase from $15 to $18 immediately, ending at $22 in October 2026
- Cook 2 (Union Prep Cook): increase from $16.40 to $20 immediately, ending at $24 in October 2026
- Cook 1 (Union Line Cook): increase from $19 to $23.10 immediately, ending at $27.10 in October 2026
- Union Chef Assistant: increase from $20 to $24.60 immediately, ending at $28.60 in October 2026
- Union Bus Drivers: increase from $18 to $20.50 immediately, ending at $24.50 in October 2026
If passed, the deal will also include eight week of paid child bonding leave. It will also provide increases to many hourly premiums as well.
Walt Disney World Resort released a statement from President Jeff Vahle after the news of the agreement was released.
“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.”
Jeff Vahle, President of the Walt Disney World Resort
The Service Trades Council Union represents around 45,000 cast members at Walt Disney World Resort. It has been negotiating with Walt Disney World for many months with a previous deal being rejected by union members. This deal will need to be ratified by union members for it to move forward as well.
